The Scottish Government’s decision to introduce a ban on single-use vapes by 2025 aims to tackle the rise in vaping among the youth and reduce environmental damage, with over 26 million disposable vapes discarded in Scotland last year.
The Scottish Government has announced plans to introduce a ban on single-use vapes by April 2025, aligning with similar actions taken by England and Wales. This decision targets the mounting concern over the rising number of young individuals engaging in vaping activities and addresses the vast environmental toll, highlighted by the disposal of over 26 million single-use vapes in Scotland last year. The proposed ban is poised to curtail the sale and supply of these disposable vaping products, with a consultation process underway until March 2024 to finalise the legislation.
Circular economy minister Lorna Slater has underscored the collaborative effort among the UK nations to establish this ban, emphasizing its role in decreasing vaping among non-smokers and the youth. Additionally, the Scottish Government is considering increasing the minimum age for tobacco purchases, specifically targeting individuals born after January 2009, in a move that would necessitate UK-wide legislation.
The engagement from stakeholders in the consultation process will be vital in shaping the definitive law. The initiative is celebrated by anti-smoking organizations such as ASH Scotland, with Chief Executive Sheila Duffy labeling it a “major step forward” in combating the trend of vaping among children and young people. The ban not only seeks to foster a smoke-free generation but also to mitigate the environmental impact of disposable vapes, reflecting broader ambitions for public health and environmental conservation in Scotland.
