Rishi Sunak set to announce Government crackdown on marketing and illegal sale of vapes to children

A loophole allowing retailers to give free samples of vapes to children will be closed as part of a crackdown to be announced by Rishi Sunak today.

The Prime Minister said the marketing and illegal sale of vapes to children is ‘completely unacceptable’ and promised to do ‘everything in my power to end this practice for good’.

Ministers will also conduct a review into banning the sale of ‘nicotine-free’ vapes to under-18s. 

The Government also wants to make it easier for Trading Standards to issue on-the-spot fines and fixed penalties to those who illegally sell vapes.

Mr Sunak is ‘deeply concerned about the sharp rise in kids vaping’, with NHS data showing that 9 per cent of children aged 11 to 15 used e-cigarettes in 2021 – up from 6 per cent in 2018. 

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the marketing and illegal sale of vapes to children is ‘completely unacceptable’

Chief medical officer Professor Sir Chris Whitty called the decision to close the loophole a ‘very welcome step’ (file image)

He said: ‘Our new illicit vape enforcement squad is on the case, but clearly there is more to do.

‘That is why I am taking further action to clamp down on rogue firms who unlawfully target our children with these products.’

Chief medical officer Professor Sir Chris Whitty called the decision to close the loophole a ‘very welcome step’.