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** 28 October 2024
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** UK
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** Vape ban could lead to unintended health risks, experts warn (#1)
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** International
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** Australia: Police discover illegal vape haul worth $8 million in Melbourne (#4)
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** Opinion: Russia considers a generational tobacco ban amid complex challenges (#5)
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** Parliamentary activity
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** Written question (#6)
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** UK
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** Vape ban could lead to unintended consequences, experts warn
A ban on disposable vapes aimed at protecting young people from nicotine addiction could unintentionally lead them to start smoking or using illicit vapes, experts suggest. Research from Prof Caitlin Notley, professor of addiction studies at the University of East Anglia, indicates that for teenagers who are already heavily reliant on nicotine, outlawing disposable vapes could drive them to obtain illicit products or turn to cigarettes. While the ban aims to reduce the availability of single-use devices, the transition to more harmful nicotine sources, including black market vapes or smoking, remains a concern. Vape companies have already begun manufacturing rechargeable or refillable vapes, with some young people already using these products. Without sufficient education on the relative risks of smoking and vaping as well as a more comprehensive approach to youth vaping, a ban could have harmful, unintended consequences.
Source: The Telegraph, 26 October 2024
See also: Addiction - Young people’s use of disposable vapes: A qualitative study ([link removed]) | ASH – Disposable vapes to be banned by 1st June 2025 ([link removed]) | ASH – Vaping mythbuster ([link removed])
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** International
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** Australia: Police discover illegal vape haul worth $8 million in Melbourne
Victorian police uncovered around 200,000 illegal e-cigarettes valued at approximately $8 million during a response to a reported burglary at a warehouse in Box Hill South. This discovery comes amid heightened tensions in Victoria's illicit tobacco market, evidenced by over 100 arson attacks on tobacco shops in the past year and a separate police operation earlier this week that resulted in the seizure of around 600,000 cigarettes and other tobacco products, highlighting ongoing challenges in addressing illegal activities in the region.
Source: The Guardian, 26 October 2024
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** Opinion: Russia considers a generational tobacco ban amid complex challenges
Writing in the Spectator, author, consultant and honorary professor Mark Galeotti discusses the feasibility of Russia's Health Ministry banning the sale of tobacco products to individuals born after 31 December 2009. Galeotti outlines that although this initiative is part of a broader commitment to reduce smoking rates, following previous successful restrictions in public spaces, its feasibility is being debated due to financial implications. Galeotti points out that the Finance Ministry is expressing concern over potential losses in tobacco excise tax revenue, which is significant for Russia's economy. Although this would be offset by the eventual savings to the health budget, the Finance Ministry is prioritising protecting revenues in the short term.
Galeotti highlights that opposition to the proposed ban also comes from law enforcement agencies who raise alarms about the potential rise of illegal tobacco sales, pointing to an increase in organised crime activities since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The law enforcement agencies, according to Galeotti, have also pointed to past experiences, such as the 1980s anti-alcohol campaign serving as a cautionary tale, suggesting that market restrictions without a corresponding enforcement strategy could exacerbate black market growth.
Galeotti highlights that despite a decrease in smoking prevalence among Russians from 41% to 30% over the past decade, smoking remains prevalent, particularly among younger demographics. Galeotti concludes by arguing that while the initiative has public health goals, it faces a multifaceted landscape where issues of revenue, health, and crime intersect, complicating political decisions regarding its implementation. The success of such a ban may depend on how these varied concerns are navigated by the Kremlin.
Source: The Spectator, 27 October 2024
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** Parliamentary activity
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** Written Question
Asked by Sorcha Eastwood, Alliance, Lagan Valley
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when he plans to introduce the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
Answered by Andrew Gwynne, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Labour, Gorton and Denton
In the King’s Speech on 17 July 2024, we committed to introducing the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in this parliamentary session. The bill will create the first smoke-free generation, gradually ending the sale of tobacco products as well as stopping vapes and other nicotine products from being branded and advertised to appeal to children. The bill will be the biggest public health intervention in a generation and pave the way for a smoke-free United Kingdom. It will be introduced to Parliament in due course.
Source: Hansard, 25 October 2024
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