RIP Elf Bar: Disposable Vaping Devices May Soon Be Banned in the UK

According to the Huffington Post UK today, colorful, sweet-flavored disposable vaping devices may soon become history in the UK, amid concerns that they are being marketed too heavily toward young people.

Popular vaping products come in a wide range of bright colors and flavors such as cotton candy and strawberry kiwi—so it is hardly surprising that people are concerned about their appeal to younger users.

How popular are disposable vaping devices among young people?

Is all of this just much ado about nothing? Are people overreacting to the popularity of vaping?

Well, put simply: no.

According to NHS statistics, 9% of teenagers aged 11 to 15 use e-cigarettes, up from just 6% three years ago. Combined with data from Action on Smoking and Health showing that 29.1% of 16- to 17-year-olds have tried e-cigarettes, the picture is a worrying one.

So how can we address young people’s use of disposable vaping devices?

Public Health Minister Neil O'Brien has called for evidence before any possible restrictions are introduced. His review will consider the appearance and characteristics of disposable e-cigarettes on the market, including branding, marketing, colors, and, of course, flavors.

In addition, there will be a particular focus on social media marketing, examining whether these products are deliberately aimed at younger audiences.

O'Brien will also respond to Dr. Javed Khan OBE’s independent review, which examined the UK government’s goal of making England and Wales smoke-free by 2030.

His recommendations include reducing the appeal of these vaping products by requiring anti-smoking messages on packaging, similar to those already seen on cigarette packs, and by using less attractive colors such as green and brown to reduce their visual appeal to users.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Social Care said: while e-cigarettes are a better option for adult smokers, we are concerned about the rise in youth vaping, particularly the increase in the use of disposable vaping products.

“We are exploring a range of measures to address this issue, including cracking down on the illegal sale of vaping products to children and on those who are getting them addicted to nicotine. The government is right to do everything it can to protect children from addiction.”

Vaping products are a very popular alternative to smoking and have long been used as a pathway to quitting. In fact, a 2021 review found that people who used e-cigarettes to quit smoking, together with face-to-face support from specialists, were twice as likely to succeed as those who chose other nicotine replacement products.

Although vaping is far less harmful to health than smoking, it is not without risk. The liquid and vapor in e-cigarettes may contain harmful chemicals, and the nicotine found in them remains a pathway to nicotine addiction.

At present, it is still illegal to sell or supply cigarettes and e-cigarette products to anyone under the age of 18.

As the NHS says, vaping is far less harmful than smoking, but that does not mean it is harmless.

Whether you started vaping as a smoking alternative or out of curiosity, you may now be looking to quit entirely. The NHS advises gradually reducing how often you vape over time and lowering the nicotine strength in your e-liquid step by step.

It is also worth discussing your addiction with your GP to see what options may be available, such as medication or counseling support.