Recent research, which combines focus groups, polling, and mystery shopping, sheds light on the pressing need for more stringent measures to curb underage vaping.
Parents participating in surveys point to the failure of stores to check IDs as the primary cause behind the alarming increase in underage vaping. A staggering three out of five parents express skepticism about the effectiveness of the new £100 on-the-spot fines imposed on retailers to address this issue.
Commissioned by BAT, the research underscores the complexities faced by the government in its efforts to tackle this growing problem.
Drawing insights from a poll involving 2,000 parents of secondary school children across the UK, alongside focus groups and mystery shopping exercises, the study reveals overwhelming parental support for more comprehensive regulatory actions in the vaping sector.
An overwhelming 89% of parents advocate for a licensing system for the sale of vape products, while 92% endorse mandatory checks on imported vape products.
Asli Ertonguc, the UK lead for BAT, acknowledges the company’s commitment to responsible regulation. Ertonguc emphasizes the necessity of open dialogue to establish regulations that effectively combat underage vaping while preserving vapes as a crucial tool in achieving the UK’s smoke-free 2030 goal, a goal BAT wholeheartedly supports.
In January, the government introduced a ban on disposable vapes as a centerpiece of its strategy against underage vaping, along with potential restrictions on flavors appealing to children and additional packaging requirements. The proposed legislation, known as the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, was presented to Parliament on March 20.
However, BAT’s survey findings suggest that more than half (55%) of parents attribute underage vaping to the failure of shops to verify IDs.
Participants in focus groups echo these sentiments, expressing concerns about unscrupulous shopkeepers and urging government intervention through undercover inspections and stringent penalties.
BAT advocates for a licensing system akin to that for alcohol retailers, supported by 89% of surveyed parents. Additionally, they propose rigorous testing for imported vapes, strict enforcement of age verification protocols, and the implementation of facial recognition technology in stores to deter underage sales – measures strongly endorsed by parents.
Highlighting vaping as pivotal in achieving the UK’s smoke-free target, Ertonguc stresses the importance of rebuilding trust in the product category.
BAT’s mystery shopping reveals lax enforcement of Challenge 25 age protocols in 9 out of 10 cases.
Ertonguc emphasizes the widespread parental support for harsher penalties for retailers selling vapes to minors. The majority of parents advocate for fines of up to £100,000 and support the idea of requiring retailers to obtain licenses.
Despite 90% of parents expressing concern about underage vaping, many remain unaware of existing penalties for retailers. A significant portion (31%) favors fines of up to £100,000, similar to penalties in France, rather than the current £2,500.
With the Tobacco and Vapes Bill looming, Ertonguc emphasizes the urgency of addressing parental concerns and taking decisive action against underage vaping.
In summary, parents and BAT alike advocate for comprehensive measures to combat underage vaping, underscoring the need for swift and effective regulatory action.
【Reference】Parents blame lack of ID checks at stores for rise in underage vaping
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