Torbay Council doesn't want young people to vape

Vaping figures have more than doubled in a year

Torbay Council wants to stop children from vaping.

According to the ASH Smokefree GB Youth Survey 2022, the number of  young people aged 11-18 who vape more than doubled between 2021 and 2022.

While the council recognises vaping as being useful for adults who want to stop smoking, concern is growing about children becoming addicted to nicotine.

It will now work with schools to ensure education is available on the potential dangers of vaping.

The authority will write to Stephen Barclay, secretary of state for health and social care, to push for greater restrictions on children buying vaping products.

These include keeping vaping products behind shop counters in plain packaging and out of sight of children, mandatory age restriction signage on vaping products, and a ban on free samples.

“It’s about protecting our young people,” said Liberal Democrat Cllr Cordelia Law of Tormohun, who is cabinet member for children’s services. “It’s about protecting their health and protecting their brains from a known harm.”

The policy was unanimously approved at a full council meeting on Tuesday [7 March].