Disposable vapes ban hailed by MSP
Gillian Mackay has been leading calls for the move
Lanarkshire MSP Gillian Mackay is “over the moon” at the Scottish Government’s decision to ban disposable vapes.
The Scottish Greens Health Spokesperson has been the leading voice at Holyrood in calls for a ban on the throw-away nicotine products.
And the Central Scotland MSP says its legacy will be one of protecting health and the environment for generations to come.
The average disposable vape contains around 20mg of nicotine, the equivalent of 20 to 40 cigarettes and many people have used them as a way to quit smoking.
However, they are available in a variety of flavours and worryingly, a high-percentage of young people – many of school age and non-smokers – have admitted using the products.
Recent research has revealed that across the UK half of 18to 24-year-olds who use the disposable nicotine vapes hadn’t smoked beforehand.
Statistics also show that around one in every four of 15-year-olds now vape regularly, and more than one in five under18s admitted using a vape at some point last year.
There is also an issue with used vapes, which are made of plastic, being discarded and creating a huge amount of waste.
The Scottish Government is now set to introduce legislation to prevent the sale of single-use vaping products.
Vapes that can be refilled will remain available but there will be restrictions on flavours and the way the products are displayed for sale.
Ms Mackay said: “I’m over the moon. This is a brilliant day for everyone who has campaigned so hard for this ban, and I’m thrilled that it’s going ahead with Scotland leading from the front.
“It will protect millions of people including school children and young adults from untold harm, rid our streets and parks of the litter being caused by these throwaway products, and send a message to retailers that it’s time to bin the vapes for good.
“This is a victory for common sense and I couldn’t be more proud that it is thanks to Scottish Greens working with our government partners, health experts and campaigners that this is finally happening.
“This is a fantastic example of how politicians can work together to effect change for good, and I am grateful to everyone who has helped our campaign become law.
“I am also delighted it will be Scottish Green Minister Lorna Slater, working with her government colleagues, who is ensuring that this plan goes ahead, another clear sign of our party getting things done for people and for planet thanks to our co-operation agreement.”
This is a brilliant day for everyone who has campaigned so hard for this ban, and I’m thrilled it’s going ahead Gillian Mackay MSP