COUNTY councillors have voted unanimously to support the Local Government Association’s view for disposable vapes to be banned.
The decision was made, as a Notice of Motion was raised on Vaping at yesterday’s (Thursday) full council meeting.
The Local Government Association (LGA) called for the Government to ban the sale and manufacture of single use vapes by 2024.
The LGA said it is crucial the ban comes into effect rapidly, as with the EU proposing a ban in 2026 and France rolling out a ban in Dec 2023, there is a risk that as markets close disposable vapes will flood into the UK.
It also highlights disposable vapes are a hazard for waste and litter collection and cause fires in bin lorries.
Coun Karen May, cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing for Worcestershire County Council said: “It is fantastic to have cross party support here in Worcestershire about Vaping. Vaping can be beneficial for those attempting to quit smoking, but the support behind this motion shows that our county councillors are all concerned about the number of people vaping who have never smoked, and want to see substantial change in this area.
“Another area of real concern is vaping among young people, and the access they have to vapes. This is an area we have made real progress in and we are working closely alongside our Trading Standards team to ensure they have the support they need for this to continue.”
Enforcement work backed
The motion also called for the council to continue to build on the successful enforcement work in this area, across the county.
This year, the county’s Trading Standards team have removed 12,000 illegal vapes and disrupted further sales.
The final part of the motion called for work to continue with schools to highlight the dangers of vaping for young people, and to promote the ways in which disposable vapes can be recycled.
