CRAIG Hoy, a Conservative MSP for South Scotland, has called for action against the “alarming” number of children who are using vapes across Scotland, including the Scottish Borders.
Data released by the UK Government has found that 69% of vapers in Great Britain are aged between 11 to 17.
In the last three years, the number of children smoking vapes in the UK has tripled, driving an increase in disposable vape sales. Every week, it is estimated that 5 million disposable vapes are littered or thrown away in general waste.
Craig Hoy MSP has welcomed legislation being brought forward across the UK to introduce a life ban on the sale of cigarettes and vapes for children who will be 15 or younger this year.
The legislation is to be introduced following a public consultation with nearly 28,000 responses, which included contributions from retailers, clinicians, medical professionals and schools.
From 1 January 2027, the legislation will take effect, outlawing the sale of cigarettes, vapes and vaping alternatives for those aged 15 or younger in the UK. There will also be a ban on disposable vapes.
Smoking leads to 80,000 deaths per year in Great Britain, with smokers having a 10-year shorter life expectancy. It is estimated that smoking costs the economy £17 billion a year, equal to the salaries of 390,000 GPs or 400,000 Police Officers. 4 in 5 smokers start before the age of 20 and are addicted for life.
Craig Hoy MSP said: “I welcome the work being done across the four nations of the UK to ban the sale of cigarettes and vapes for children and young people. This will help to reduce the associated health risks, drive up life expectancy and boost the economy.
“There has recently been a very alarming rise in the number of children using vapes in the Borders, and there must be a zero-tolerance approach against children using vapes, particularly in schools.”
