Wales Public Health Department Takes Action on E-cigarette Marketing

According to a report by walesonline on April 18th, the Public Health Department of Wales has set up a special task force aimed at addressing the rapid increase in the number of teenagers vaping e-cigarettes. The task force suggests issuing a ban to e-cigarette retailers and manufacturers, prohibiting them from selling enticing flavors such as bubblegum, as some e-cigarette shops sometimes advertise with prominent signage along school routes.

This suggestion is one of the four recommendations proposed in the report released by the working group on Thursday, the 18th. The four main control measures are as follows:

• Opposing the norm of e-cigarettes - cease the practice of smoking e-cigarettes in spaces primarily designed for children and young people. Environments catering to children should implement a no e-cigarette policy.
• Packaging and display - restrictions should be imposed on advertising, packaging, and display of e-cigarettes in Wales. This may potentially be one of the most effective measures to address the issue of children and young people in Wales using e-cigarettes.
• Disposable products - the sale of disposable e-cigarettes is prohibited.
• Flavors - Flavor names should be legally restricted to basic descriptions such as tobacco, mint, mint and fruit.

The department consultant, Chris Emmerson, stated, "These best practices provide a comprehensive framework for young e-cigarette users in Wales. By implementing these practices, we can better address the complex needs of children and young people who use e-cigarettes. Nicotine replacement therapy, already available to those over 12 who smoke, is a tool that may help children and teenagers break free from e-cigarette dependence when used in conjunction with other support mechanisms."