Responding to the ban on single-use vapes, which comes into effect in the UK today, BMA board of science chair, Professor David Strain, and BMA public health medicine committee chair, Dr Heather Grimbaldeston, said:
 
“Today is a welcome advance in the battle against an epidemic that threatens the health of both our children and young people, and our planet.
 
“It follows calls from the BMA to ban single-use vapes due to their appeal and availability to children, and the huge environmental impact they have when discarded.
 
“But while it’s one step in this battle, the war against youth vaping is by no means over. The Government and policymakers must do everything they can to eliminate the appeal and availability of these addictive and potentially harmful products to children and young people. This means pushing forward with the passage of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill and implementing regulations, that will give the  Government power to limit flavours and tighten controls on packaging and advertising.
 
“The Government and regulators need to be responsive to attempts by industry to evade new rules by adapting their products in way that makes them compliant but still affordable and appealing to children and young people. This will also require a properly resourced enforcement system, so that manufacturers and retailers cannot get away with breaking the law.
 
“We’ve seen both this Government and the last united in their pledges to tackle youth vaping, we now need leaders to follow through for the sake of the population’s future health.”
 
ENDS

Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.