Vape action must mirror smoking ban, says Dame

A BAN on vapes must be as strong as the one proposed for smoking, the Children’s Commissioner for England has said.

Dame Rachel de Souza said “we need shop fronts cleared” of vapes and that proper regulation is required for the products, which have exploded in popularity among young people.

The Government launched an eight-week consultation on Thursday seeking views on how vapes can be used by smokers wanting to quit, but at the same time lessen their appeal to under-18s.

Among the options being considered are a complete ban on disposable vapes, restricting their sale, or ensuring they cannot be sold in an array of flavours and colours that might appeal to youngsters.