On April 9th, it was reported that the UK's Health Minister, Neil O'Brien, will unveil a series of measures aimed at tackling the illegal sale of e-cigarettes and preventing underage sales. He will also announce the allocation of £3 million to establish an "Illegal E-Cigarette Enforcement Team" which will operate throughout England, conducting test purchases in convenience stores and e-cigarette shops, and shutting down shops that sell e-cigarettes to those under the age of 18. The Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA) told 2FIRSTS that it welcomes the announcement and will collaborate with the health department's enforcement efforts.
The use of electronic cigarettes among minors in the UK is increasing.
In the United Kingdom, only individuals aged 18 and above are allowed to purchase electronic cigarettes. However, the government is facing increasing pressure to crackdown on the sale of e-cigarettes to minors.
New data from the NHS for 2021 reveals that the percentage of 11 to 15 year old teenagers in England using e-cigarettes has risen from 6% in 2018 to 9%. Furthermore, during the same period, the percentage of 15 year old girls using e-cigarettes increased from 10% to 21%.
According to a recent survey conducted by public health charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) and King's College London, approximately 8.6% of young people in England occasionally or regularly use electronic cigarettes.
References:
New regulations implemented to curb the illegal distribution of electronic cigarettes to minors.
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