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Ministers in Jersey have announced an intention to ban disposable vapes, while Guernsey moves towards greater regulation of the product.
But could they be banned outright?
Disposable vapes have been roundly criticised for seemingly being advertised to young people, with sweet-inspired flavours and brightly coloured packaging. While an average disposable vape contains the same amount of nicotine as 20 cigarettes.
Additionally, a joint investigation by the Bailiwick Express and Jersey Evening Post found that vapes are being confiscated from children as young as nine in Jersey.
Ministers in Jersey have since announced plans to ban disposable vapes for both health and environmental reasons. However, the proposed ban would most likely come under the Single Use Plastics Law.
The possibility of a ban in Guernsey would require consideration of the environmental impact as well, however the Committee of Health and Social Care has commented on the increasingly popular product.
“The Committee for Health & Social Care is committed to improving the health outcomes of Islanders through prevention and health improvement initiatives and is under Resolution of the States to work towards regulation of e-cigarettes, now more commonly known as vapes,” said a spokesperson for HSC.
“The Committee has agreed that it would wish to move towards greater regulation through legislation. Due to their targeted promotion to young people, it would expect the regulation of vapes to include how these products can be promoted, or not as the case may be, and an age of sale ban to under 18s in the first instance.
“Other measures, such as proposing a ban on disposable vapes, will require consideration of the legislation or proposals in other jurisdictions and further political dialogue around the environmental impact of these products.
“This work is at an early stage and while the Committee is keen to progress the regulation of vapes as quickly as possible, it has to be mindful of resource constraints and other pressures.”
As mentioned, the ban in Jersey could be extended under the Single Use Plastics Law. It’s understood that the Committee for the Environment and Infrastructure will be revealing its stance imminently.
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