A recent study suggests that selling vapes in plain packaging could help reduce their appeal to young people. Researchers from UCL and King’s College London discovered that adults are still inclined to purchase e-cigarettes even if they are sold in plain packs.
Vapes are commonly used as a tool to aid in smoking cessation; however, the increasing use of vapes among non-smoking children has raised significant concerns. The study involved over 2,700 children and young individuals aged 11 to 18, along with nearly 4,000 adults. It revealed that 53% of young participants believed their peers would be interested in trying vapes packaged in colorful designs. This interest decreased to 38% when shown vapes in standardized packaging with regular flavor descriptions. Interestingly, adults showed consistent interest regardless of whether the packs were plain white or branded.
The ongoing Tobacco and Vapes Bill, currently progressing through the House of Lords, aims to eliminate brightly colored packaging and vape flavors that attract children, such as bubble gum and cotton candy. Additionally, the bill seeks to make the UK smoke-free by restricting individuals born after January 1, 2009, from purchasing tobacco products.
Furthermore, a ban on disposable vapes was implemented earlier this year. Dr. Eve Taylor, the lead author from UCL’s Department of Behavioral Science and Health, emphasized the importance of regulations that discourage youth and non-smokers from vaping while supporting smokers who use vapes to quit.
The study participants were presented with various packaging types, including branded packs, plain packs with limited flavor descriptions, and standardized packs with coded flavor names. Hazel Cheeseman, the CEO of Action on Smoking and Health, noted the relevance of the study in guiding policymakers to regulate vapes effectively to safeguard children without undermining their role as a smoking cessation aid.
Plans are underway to empower local communities to control the opening of new vaping and gambling shops to revitalize British high streets. Keir Starmer is set to unveil town planning reforms to grant communities more say in store locations and quantities within their towns. The government is expected to allocate funds to support these reforms and prevent high streets from being dominated by vape, gambling, and barber shops.
This initiative seeks to enhance community involvement and prevent the over saturation of certain types of stores on local high streets.