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Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Vape makers to dodge disposables ban by switching to longer-life products, it's claimed
Campaigners warn these remain effectively single use once heating coils are bust THE VAPE ESCAPE Vape makers to dodge disposables ban by switching to longer-life products, it's claimed VAPE makers are set to dodge the ban on disposable e-cigs by switching to longer-life products, it is claimed. Experts fear lawmakers have blundered over so-called 'big puff' vapes masquerading as reusable. Advertisement 1 Single-use vapes will be banned tomorrow Credit: Alamy They say manufacturers of some super-sized gadgets — which each deliver up to 20,000 draws — are swerving regulations by fitting them with charging ports and superficial refilling features. But campaigners warn these remain effectively single use once heating coils are bust. Richard Begg, of retailer VPZ, said: 'There are a lot of questions around what is banned and what isn't. Big puff products are still going to be available. They are touted as reusable but obviously they are not. It's a blunder by legislators and a massive concern.' Single-use vapes are banned by law from tomorrow. Advertisement Compliant devices should be refillable, rechargeable and the pod or coil should be replaceable. However, products which carry more liquid and have USB charging ports have been introduced which cannot be refilled or have coils replaced. Tory MSP Douglas Lumsden, said: 'Producers should not be using legal loopholes to continue selling vapes that are effectively single use.' Sheila Duffy of anti-smoking charity ASH added: 'The Scottish Government must always be vigilant about the emergence of 'big puff' e-cigarettes.' Advertisement Ministers said: 'If a 'big puff' vape contains a coil which cannot be replaced, these vapes will be considered to be single-use.' We previously told how an urgent warning was issued to Scottish parents after dozens of primary school children were hospitalised after smoking 'zombie' drug vapes. Disposable vapes will be banned across UK by next summer to stop Britain's kids from getting hooked An increasing number of pupils across Scottish primary schools have been found with vape pens by staff, according to The Scotsman. And it is feared by both teachers and students that the pens could be laced with illicit substances and often contain cannabis. Advertisement However, an expert has said he has 'full confidence' that they actually contain Spice - a "zombie-like" drug that was banned in 2016.
STV News
29-05-2025
- Health
- STV News
MSPs give consent to UK-wide legislation to create ‘smoke-free generation'
MSPs have agreed their consent to UK legislation which aims to create a 'smoke-free generation', with a minister hailing it as a 'landmark' law. The Scottish Parliament passed a legislative consent motion on Thursday, meaning MSPs agree to Westminster passing a law which affects a devolved area. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is UK-wide legislation which would create a 'smoke-free generation' by banning tobacco products for anyone born after January 1, 2009. It would also bring in restrictions on the advertising and sale of vapes, as well as reviewing the packaging of e-cigarettes. The legislation has passed votes in the House of Commons and is currently going through the House of Lords. Public health minister Jenni Minto welcomed Parliament's approval of the legislative consent motion, with MSPs approving her motion unanimously. She said: 'The Scottish Parliament's consent to this landmark legislation will ensure that children born after January 1, 2009 can never be sold tobacco. 'We have worked closely across the four nations to ensure a consistent approach and I am determined to ensure a tobacco-free Scotland, where people live longer and healthier lives, by 2034. 'The Bill, once passed, will also ban vapes and nicotine products from being deliberately promoted and advertised to children, stopping the next generation from becoming hooked on nicotine. 'The Scottish Parliament's support for this Bill will benefit public health in Scotland and will help save lives.' Jamie Strachan, operations director at vaping retailer VPZ, said nicotine pouches are less harmful than combustible smoking. He said: 'We agree that vaping products must never be marketed or sold to children. That is why VPZ operates with robust age verification protocols, strict compliance training, and a challenge 25 system that goes beyond legal requirements. 'We also support the introduction of a national licensing scheme to ensure all retailers are held to these same high standards. 'However, we believe it is crucial to maintain a balanced approach that continues to support adult smokers in making the switch away from combustible tobacco. 'Public Health England and other bodies have consistently affirmed that vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking and remains the most effective tool for smoking cessation. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Herald Scotland
29-05-2025
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish Parliament gives consent to tobacco ban legislation
MSPs have agreed their consent to UK legislation which aims to create a 'smoke-free generation', with a minister hailing it as a 'landmark' law. The Scottish Parliament passed a legislative consent motion on Thursday, meaning MSPs agree to Westminster passing a law which affects a devolved area. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is UK-wide legislation which would create a 'smoke-free generation' by banning tobacco products for anyone born after January 1, 2009. It would also bring in restrictions on the advertising and sale of vapes, as well as reviewing the packaging of e-cigarettes. Read More: The legislation has passed votes in the House of Commons and is currently going through the House of Lords. Public health minister Jenni Minto welcomed Parliament's approval of the legislative consent motion, with MSPs approving her motion unanimously. She said: 'The Scottish Parliament's consent to this landmark legislation will ensure that children born after January 1, 2009 can never be sold tobacco. 'We have worked closely across the four nations to ensure a consistent approach and I am determined to ensure a tobacco-free Scotland, where people live longer and healthier lives, by 2034. 'The Bill, once passed, will also ban vapes and nicotine products from being deliberately promoted and advertised to children, stopping the next generation from becoming hooked on nicotine. 'The Scottish Parliament's support for this Bill will benefit public health in Scotland and will help save lives.' Jamie Strachan, operations director at vaping retailer VPZ, said nicotine pouches are less harmful than combustible smoking. He said: 'We agree that vaping products must never be marketed or sold to children. That is why VPZ operates with robust age verification protocols, strict compliance training, and a challenge 25 system that goes beyond legal requirements. 'We also support the introduction of a national licensing scheme to ensure all retailers are held to these same high standards. 'However, we believe it is crucial to maintain a balanced approach that continues to support adult smokers in making the switch away from combustible tobacco. 'Public Health England and other bodies have consistently affirmed that vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking and remains the most effective tool for smoking cessation."
The Herald Scotland
06-05-2025
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Snus-style pouches will be included in ‘smokefree generation' law
The pouches are designed to be placed between the user's lips and gum, where they release nicotine. Health experts say they are addictive and may have other harmful side effects. Despite sometimes being called snus, this term actually refers to a tobacco product on sale in Sweden which is also used orally. READ MORE: Holyrood's Health Committee discussed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill on Tuesday, UK-wide legislation which would create a 'smokefree generation' by banning tobacco products for anyone born after January 1, 2009. The Scottish Government is recommending that Holyrood grants legislative consent to the parts of the Bill which impact devolved law. Conservative health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane said he is unclear on whether products like snus are part of the ban. He said: 'Given that in Waverley Station we saw these products being handed out to people for free as a trial, I think we probably need to to a bit more in this area.' Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said she agreed that more needs to be done on such 'novel products'. Conservative health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane She said: 'That is exactly what this Bill is aiming to do, bring products like heated tobacco and snus as you've talked about into the legislation to ensure that we do have better powers to reduce their availability to young people and older people.' Professor Linda Bauld, one of the Scottish Government's top public health advisors, told the committee that snus is already illegal in the UK. However, the term 'snus' is now being applied to these nicotine pouches, she said. Handing such nicotine pouches out for free would be covered by the new legislation, she said. She said: 'We've only had them in the market for the last few years. 'They're going to be significantly less harmful than smoking – I'm pretty confident, from looking at their constituents.' She said some studies had highlighted concerns around periodontal (gum health and they are known to be addictive. Prof Bauld said: 'The Bill is trying to strike a balance in keeping products available to people who smoke and who may use vaping or even a nicotine pouch as a cessation aid. 'While recognising that what we saw in Waverley is about marketing these products, including to young people, which is absolutely something we need to tackle.' Jamie Strachan, operations director at vaping retailer VPZ, said nicotine pouches are less harmful than combustible smoking. Following the committee meeting, he said: 'We recognise the Scottish Government's concerns around youth access and marketing practices, and we fully support responsible regulation that protects young people while ensuring adult smokers retain access to effective harm reduction tools. 'Nicotine pouches, which are often mistakenly referred to as 'snus', are tobacco-free products and represent a significantly reduced-risk option when compared to traditional smoking. 'We are committed to working collaboratively with regulators and public health bodies to ensure products are marketed responsibly and only to adult consumers.'
The Herald Scotland
29-04-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Here's a loophole big enough to vape through
Marketed as rechargeable because of their low-quality batteries and replaceable 10ml pods, these devices remain fundamentally disposable, environmentally wasteful, and alluring to young consumers owing to their low cost. In my capacity as the Business Development Director at VPZ, I must strongly encourage the Government to implement more robust measures promptly. Each week in the UK, 8.2 million disposable vapes are discarded, adding to the growing mountains of plastic waste. Super-sized versions will only deepen this environmental catastrophe as they weigh significantly more than the existing 2ml disposables, while making it even easier for underage users to get their hands on devices with 6 times the liquid and nicotine content. There is a growing trend of products with illicit substances through the black market, and this door must be closed. The Government must take ownership of public safety. Seeing Big Puff vapes specifically mentioned in the recent Tobacco and Vapes Bill reading, and the subsequent suggestion of distinct legislation, was a positive development. However, these statements must translate into concrete actions — not just feel-good pronouncements. While the Bill rests with the House of Lords, a window of opportunity remains to affect its passage. But the clock is ticking. The upcoming ban is a testament to the political will and courage of those involved. However, the concurrent allowance of Big Puff disposables is not merely contradictory; it approaches recklessness. Failure of Parliament to take action could lead to another public health and environmental emergency of our own creation. We call upon policymakers to take immediate action to strengthen enforcement, address existing loopholes, and ensure that vaping products remains a tool for smoking cessation, not a pathway to addiction for young people. Including either NC21 proposed by Jenny Riddel Carpenter MP, or amendment 36 as proposed by Mary Glyndon MP has become a prerequisite for the Bill's future success. Parliament's acknowledgement of the issue and the need for regulatory revisions is appreciated; nonetheless, the implementation timeframe is far too lengthy. To prevent the continued and irresponsible rise in underage vaping, prompt action must be taken to address the actions of negligent importers and retailers. If MPs don't act now, the UK could be sleepwalking into another crisis of their own making that will undoubtedly bring even greater youth and environmental dangers. Greig Fowler is Business Development Director at VPZ Agenda is a column for outside contributors. Contact: agenda@
