It is learned from Haiwai.com that the British Prime Minister made his statement for the third time and set up four more measures, vowing to end the problem of illegal e-cigarettes. And with that said, “will do everything in my power to end this practice for good. UK Prime Minister” Rishi Sunak says the government’s new crackdown on vape marketing will prevent “unacceptable” targeting of children and young people.
Regarding the Prime Minister’s move, relevant people in the UK said that the proposal has been “a small step”. And the Chartered Institute of Trade, which oversees UK trading standards, said it welcomed the government’s announcement and said the measures “are necessary”. Sunak’s cabinet member, Health Minister Neil O’Brien, said any marketing of vaping products to children was “disgraceful”. Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Chris Whitty called the decision to close the loophole a “very welcome step”.
From this point of view, in order to crack down on illegal e-cigarettes in the UK, the rules may become stricter, and new on-site fines and advertising bans may be released.
What will be the “new measures”?
1. Block the flow of e-cigarette samples to minors!
Britain pointed out that the British government will ban retailers from providing free samples of e-cigarettes to children, which the government says can curb underage use of e-cigarettes. Close a loophole that allows companies to provide free samples of vaping products to children under 18. And Gillian Golden, chief executive of the Independent British Vape Trade Association, said: “The loophole of allowing free sample distribution regardless of a consumer’s age is a loophole that no self-respecting business should ever consider exploiting.”
Because although the British law stipulates that e-cigarettes cannot be provided free of charge to people under the age of 18, nicotine products such as e-cigarettes are currently not included in it, which has led some merchants to see the loopholes and provide free e-cigarette samples to minors .
It also cracks down on illegal advertising. The British Prime Minister also criticized the e-cigarette company’s advertisements for overly attracting children, and said that the government has taken action to crack down on illegal e-cigarette sales; in an interview with the ITV program, he expressed concern that his daughter may be tempted by illegal e-cigarette products.
The UK will also educate minors on the curriculum. The crackdown will also incorporate the health risks of vaping into relationship, health education curricula as part of the government’s ongoing curriculum review.
The Prime Minister also said, “Our new illegal vaping enforcement team – backed by £3 million – is working on the case, but there is clearly more work to be done. And a dedicated police school liaison officer will also be working to prevent illegal vaping. E-cigarettes are entering schools.
2. Are “nicotine-free” products also controlled?
The UK government has said it will review rules governing the sale of “nicotine-free” products to children under 18.
The key word here is “nicotine-free” products.
3. Fines for illegal retail sales.
The UK stated that the fine rules for shops selling illegal e-cigarettes; local trading standards will issue on-site fines and fixed penalty notices to shops selling e-cigarettes to minors.
4. Taxation methods to reduce the affordability of e-cigarettes?
Some people in the UK even suggested that bolder taxation methods are needed to reduce the affordability of e-cigarettes, making it difficult for minors to afford e-cigarette consumption.
Deborah Arnott, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), said she believed higher excise taxes on vaping products were needed. “A finance bill could easily be introduced to Parliament to introduce a £5 levy on each use of e-cigarettes, which would make it unaffordable for very price-sensitive children.”
It can be seen that in the future, the UK is very determined to crack down on illegal e-cigarettes, but at the same time, the UK will continue to promote e-cigarettes as an option for adult smokers who want to quit smoking, which will also be an important support for the e-cigarette market.
