Ban on e-cigs for under-18s in move to stub out smoking

SHOPS are to be banned from selling electronic cigarettes to under- 18s in a crackdown on smoking.

A public health Bill was launched yesterday in a bid to transform Scotland i nto a ‘tobacco-free’ country by 2034.

Under the plans, it will be an offence f or an adult t o buy e- cigarettes for anyone younger than 18 and all retailers will also have to be registered.

Shopkeepers will be legally required to challenge anyone who appears to be under the age of 25 to prove they are old enough to buy e- cigarettes. The new legislation will also seek to make smoking in the vicinity of hospital buildings a statutory offence.

E-cigarettes are vapour inhalers that have grown in popularity in recent years. While supporters claim that they help people quit the habit, critics argue that they normalise smoking, particularly among young people.

Following the 2006 ban on smoking in public places, e- cigarettes are now commonly spotted in pubs and offices.

Public health minister Maureen Watt said: ‘This government is not opposed to e- cigarettes but we think it is right to protect children from nicotine addiction, and to limit the prevalence of smoking behaviours.

‘We have long thought that it is wrong for people to have to walk through clouds of smoke when visiting hospitals. We believe the time is right to make it a statutory offence to smoke near health buildings.’

The health effects of the electronic devices, which often contain nicotine, are unknown. There are also concerns that e-cigarettes act as a gateway drug for cigarettes.

They are not banned for under18s and bypass the smoking ban because they can be smoked indoors and in most public places.

A recent survey by the antismoking charity ASH Scotland found children as young as 13 now use electronic cigarettes.

Half of 15 to 18-year- olds have tried them, as have a quarter of 13 to 14-year-olds.

Other proposals in the Bill include making it an offence to smoke in a vehicle i f anyone under 18 is present, with the police able to issue on-the- spot fines of £100. There could also be smoke-free ‘play areas’ in play parks, schools, nurseries, beaches and sports and leisure facilities, along with a ban on e-cigarette sales from vending machines and tough new restrictions on advertising.

The measures were welcomed by ASH Scotland chief executive Sheila Duffy, who said: ‘Although e-cigarettes are likely to be far safer than smoking tobacco, there are still some unknowns and risks including the risk of addiction.

‘Regulations to protect children from companies who will be looking to target them as future consumers are welcome.’

‘Protect children from addiction’