Winchester City Councillors Call for Ban on Disposable Vaping Devices

Municipal officials in Winchester, UK, have called for a ban on the sale of disposable vaping devices. The latest data shows that the number of 11- to 18-year-olds using vapes increased from 4% in 2021 to 8.6% in 2022.

According to a recent report by the Hampshire Chronicle, municipal officials in Winchester, UK, are calling for a ban on the sale of disposable vaping devices. The latest data shows that the number of 11- to 18-year-olds using vapes increased from 4% in 2021 to 8.6% in 2022.

Councillor James Bartol put forward the motion at a full meeting of Winchester City Council. 

 “Vaping products play an important role in helping adults quit smoking; however, vaping is not without risks, especially for people who have never smoked,” Bartol said.

The council believes disposable vaping devices are inherently unsustainable products, meaning an outright ban remains the most effective way to address the issue.

Bartol backed the Local Government Association’s call to ban the sale and manufacture of disposable vaping devices by the end of next year, and to regulate disposable vaping products in a similar way to other single-use items, such as the ban on plastic straws.

In addition, council leader Martin Tod will write to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to express support for banning disposable vaping products. The council will also respond to any future consultations on banning the sale and manufacture of disposable vaping products by supporting such a ban.

Councillor Kelsie Learney said: “I care deeply about young people and their health. Vapes are too cheap and too easy to buy. We must deal with this properly.” The motion was supported by 29 councillors, with 4 abstentions.