According to a report by The Guardian on March 18th, the Local Government Association (LGA) in the UK has stated that businesses found in violation of the disposable e-cigarette ban should face stricter fines to deter unethical practices. Under the government's plans, once the ban is implemented, businesses caught selling disposable e-cigarettes may receive a fixed penalty notice of £100 from local authorities.
The LGA says that the proposed amount of the fine is too low and could let businesses off the hook. It states that some businesses may see the fine as a price worth paying to continue selling these products.
Islington City Council leader and LGA spokesperson for public health, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, said: "We are pleased that the government is taking decisive action to ban disposable e-cigarettes. However, once the ban is in place, the proposed penalties will be just a drop in the bucket for the few unscrupulous businesses."
According to the analysis by the LGA, local governments can impose larger fines for other violations, including a maximum fine of £500 for littering, a £500 fine for excessive noise in licensed premises, a £200 fine for businesses not displaying a "No Smoking" sign, and a maximum fine of £150 for distributing leaflets in public places without authorization.
The Local Government Association representing councils in England and Wales is calling on the government to amend the tobacco and e-cigarette legislation to allow councils to impose higher fines. The local government is also urging for the new tax revenue announced in the budget for e-cigarette liquid to be used to fund local environmental, public health, and enforcement services.
The LGA has long been a proponent of banning disposable e-cigarettes, stating that they litter the streets, pose a danger to municipal waste trucks, and are expensive and difficult to process at recycling centers. The organization argues that their colors, flavors, and advertising are attractive to children, posing an increasing risk to the health of young people.
Local government officials believe that a complete ban is the most effective solution to address the environmental and health issues that disposable e-cigarettes may cause, as they are considered inherently unsustainable products. The LGA has stated that they urge the government to implement the ban "as soon as possible.
Komer-Schwartz stated that allowing local governments to impose larger fines will serve as a strong deterrent and ensure the implementation of the ban on disposable e-cigarettes. This is also necessary to create a "new smoke-free generation." She said, "We must do everything possible to protect our children and communities from the potential harm of these disposable products, while ensuring that e-cigarettes are available for long-term smokers seeking to quit."
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