UK PM Vows to Combat Illegal E-Cigarette Sales and Criticizes Ads Targeting Minors

On April 18, according to UK Sky News, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak criticized e-cigarette companies for excessively targeting children in advertisements during a Sky News interview, stating that the government has already taken action against illegal e-cigarette sales.

UK Prime Minister Vows to Combat Illegal E-Cigarette Sales and Criticizes Ads Targeting Minors 

Criticizing E-cigarette Advertisements

During the Sky News interview, Sunak criticized e-cigarette companies for targeting children with colorful advertisements and characters.

He told the host:

"These e-cigarette ads are designed to attract kids."

This includes the colors, characters, and flavors used. He commented, "These are things that shouldn't be happening."

Sunak believes that no one under the age of 18 should use e-cigarettes, and selling e-cigarettes to children is illegal. However, he acknowledged that more and more young people are using e-cigarettes.

He continued:

"We want to stop this situation."

Fighting Illegal E-cigarette Sales

Previously, the UK government announced that it would launch an "Illegal E-cigarette Enforcement Team" as part of the crackdown on the illegal sale of e-cigarettes to minors under the age of 18.

"So, we're doing a few things. One is we have a task force.

Sunak told the host that the UK government had invested millions of pounds, ensuring that all regulations are enforced, and people should not sell e-cigarette products to young people. If someone sells e-cigarettes to adults, "bad things will happen to them."

Seeking Public Opinion

In addition, the UK government has launched an "evidence-gathering" initiative to study how to reduce children's exposure to and use of e-cigarette products.

Sunak added that the government is also soliciting the best ideas for preventing children from using e-cigarettes.

"You know, we spend time talking to people, listening, getting ideas, and then making the right decisions."

Also read:

[1] The Guardian: 73% of UK e-cigarette liquid exceeds standards; 8 zero-nicotine products test positive for nicotine

[2] UK plans to crack down on illegal e-cigarettes; industry association pledges necessary resource support

[3] UK to allocate £3 million to establish enforcement team; targeting stores selling e-cigarettes to minors

References:

[1] Sunak hits out at vape companies for appealing to children