We’ll launch Europe’s f irst crackdown on vaping, says Minister
SCOTLAND is set to become the first country in Europe to launch a crackdown on vaping – in a bid to stop children becoming hooked on e-cigarettes.
The Scottish Government has confirmed it is to consult on ways of banning the marketing of the devices and stopping adverts reaching the wider public.
The move is likely to have a huge impact on vaping shops, huge numbers of which have cropped up on high streets.
Health experts and cancer charities believe vaping is a healthier alternative to smoking for people who are trying to quit cigarettes.
But there are growing concerns about non-smokers, and children in particular, taking up the habit, especially as the long-term effects of vaping are still not known.
Last week, Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick said: ‘The Scottish Government is committed to consult on legislation restricting the advertising and promotion of e-cigarettes.
‘This will make Scotland the first country in Europe to do so. The proposed restrictions will not apply to any public health campaign and the proposal is to allow advertising at the point of sale, provided it’s not seen from outside the premises.’
His statement came in response to a written question from Lib Dem health spokesman Alex ColeHamilton, who raised concerns about children being attracted to vaping.
He said: ‘Regardless of how addictive vaping is, we should not be making it easier for people to take up this habit.’
In the three years to 2017, the proportion of Scots adults who vape rose from 5 per cent to 7 per cent, Scottish Government figures suggest.
Lewis Morrison, chairman of the British Medical Association in Scotland, said: ‘Research on the longterm impact of e-cigarette use is limited by the relatively short period of time these products have been available. As a result, the absolute risks of e-cigarette use in the long term remain unknown.
‘However, we should put this in the context of the substantial harm associated with smoking. This has led to a growing consensus that use of e-cigarettes is significantly less harmful.
‘Regulation of e-cigarettes should therefore focus on three broad objectives – of reducing tobacco-related harm, ensuring children and young people do not use e-cigarettes, and protecting bystanders.’
George Butterworth, of Cancer Research UK, said: ‘E-cigarettes aren’t risk-free. We don’t recommend non-smokers use them. But research so far shows that vaping is far less harmful than smoking tobacco, and can help people to stop smoking.’
MSPs have already backed laws restricting advertising and promotion of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes – the consultation will look at how to put that into practice.
It is expected to extend the ban covering TV, radio and newspaper adverts to include billboards, leaflets and bus shelters. In shops, advertising would be allowed at the point of sale if it is not visible from outside.
The Scottish Government said: ‘Reducing the use of, and harm from, tobacco is one of the Scottish Government’s public health priorities.’
‘Vaping is far less harmful than smoking tobacco’