Will disposable vapes now face outright ban in Scotland?

DISPOSABLE vapes could be outlawed in Scotland amid fears over their effects on health and littering.

Humza Yousaf said an outright ban on the devices was under consideration, citing their popularity among children and the scourge of discarded vapes blighting public places.

The First Minister confirmed yesterday that Zero Waste Scotland is reviewing the use and sale of vaping devices and is looking at their environmental impact.

He also committed to taking ‘immediate action’ once the government agency reports its findings and makes a recommendation.

The electronic devices, pictured, are promoted as an alternative to cigarettes, and it is illegal for anyone under 18 to buy them.

But ministers are coming under increasing pressure to outlaw vaping products for all ages.

Asked at First Minister’s Questions yesterday whether he would be willing to ban disposable vapes, Mr Yousaf said: ‘We will give that consideration.’

Responding to Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay, he added: ‘Littering of any kind is unacceptable. I share the member’s concerns about the environmental impacts of singleuse vapes, not to mention the increased use among children and young people who should not have access to them in the first place. ‘I should make it quite clear that the use of these products is an issue we’re taking very seriously and nothing is off the table at this stage.’ Fifteen local authorities have backed a national ban on singleuse devices, including Edinburgh and Glasgow. Councillors have voiced concern that brightly coloured and sweetflavoured vapes are being designed to appeal to children. Vapes are manufactured as either refillable or disposable models and are marketed as a quittingaid for adult cigarette smokers. But research suggests youngsters who smoke and vape are twice as likely to be heavy smokers by the time they leave school than those who only use tobacco. The latest study, involving 1,800 teenagers, indicated the devices are likely to ‘entrench’ tobacco use. The findings, published in the BMJ journal last month, showed vaping could be especially damaging among the young, adding that ‘steps must be taken to reduce adolescent access to ecigarettes’.

‘Nothing is off the table at this stage’