Tobacco giant says current £200 fines are insufficient and supports Labour’s £2,500 proposal, urging UK to copy New Zealand’s higher penalties.
A big tobacco company wants harsher fines. They think retailers selling vapes to kids need big penalties.
Imperial Brands says current fines are too low. They want more than Labour’s proposed £2,500 maximum. New Zealand’s system could serve as an example for ministers. Their fines start at £930 and reach £47,000.
Vape makers want strict penalties for underage sales. Bad behavior could bring more rules against tobacco.
A new bill might harm the £18 billion vape industry. It could ban sweet flavors that kids like.
Imperial Brands makes Blu vapes. They want the UK to raise fines like New Zealand.
James Hall wants tougher action against illicit sales. He said that the UK should copy New Zealand’s higher fines.
Imperial Brands supports bigger fines for retailers. They also want more money for Trading Standards. This helps them to enforce the rules.
Council leaders want better fines too. Some retailers might just pay the fine. They can make more money selling to children anyway.
The new law could ban sweet flavors like candy floss. These flavors target kids. Vapes help smokers quit, says the Department for Health. Still, vapes have risks, mostly for kids.
The long-term harm of vape flavors is unknown. They likely are not good.
Youth vaping has doubled in five years. In 2023, twenty-five percent of children tried vaping once.
Disposable vapes are being banned in June. Users must switch to refillable ones.
