A recent study suggests that selling vapes in plain packaging could help reduce their appeal to children. The research conducted by UCL and King’s College London indicates that adults are still inclined to purchase e-cigarettes even when they are presented in plain packs.
Vapes are commonly used as a tool to aid in quitting smoking, but the increasing use of vapes among children who have never smoked is a growing concern. The study, involving 2,770 young individuals aged 11 to 18 and nearly 4,000 adults, revealed that 53% of youngsters believed their peers would be interested in trying vapes if they were in colorful packaging. However, this interest decreased to 38% when shown vapes in standardized packs with basic flavor descriptions. Interestingly, adults showed consistent interest regardless of whether the packs were plain white or branded.
The 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, gummy bear, and cotton candy. Additionally, the legislation seeks to make Britain smoke-free by prohibiting individuals born on or after January 1, 2009, from legally purchasing tobacco products. Earlier this year, a ban on disposable vapes was also introduced.
Lead author Dr. Eve Taylor from UCL’s Department of Behavioral Science and Health emphasized the need for vape packaging and flavor regulations to strike a balance between deterring young non-smokers while not discouraging smokers from using vapes as a cessation aid.
The study participants were shown various types of packaging, including usual branded packs, plain white packs with standard product descriptions, and standardized packs with coded flavor names. Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health, a supporting charity, highlighted the importance of regulating vapes effectively to protect children without hindering their potential as a tool for smoking cessation.
In the coming week, plans will be outlined to empower local communities to restrict new vaping and gambling shops in an effort to rejuvenate Britain’s high streets. Keir Starmer is set to unveil changes to town planning, granting communities more authority over store locations and numbers in their towns. The Prime Minister is expected to announce additional funding to support these reforms, with a focus on aiding local councils and community projects. Measures are also being considered to expedite community ownership of vacant shops to prevent an overflow of vape shops, gambling establishments, and barbershops on high streets.
