Scottish Greens welcome UK-wide vape ban
A UK-wide vape ban is a ‘positive step forward’ for people and planet, says Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater.
The ban will come into effect today, making it illegal for businesses to sell or supply disposable vapes. A ban on the single-use products should lead to less environmental damage and reduce the harm to young people that is caused by vaping.
The Scottish Greens have campaigned for years to ban disposable vapes in Scotland, with party spokesperson for Health, Gillian Mackay MSP spear-heading the cause.
Ms Slater said:
“This is a brilliant day for everyone who has campaigned so hard for this ban. My Scottish Greens colleague Gillian Mackay has worked tirelessly with campaigners to help reduce harm to young people’s health and our environment.
“We saw changes being made to cigarettes and other tobacco products in the UK to try and discourage young people in particular from taking up smoking. At the very same time flavoured, colourful disposable vapes became popular and readily available to buy, with many people who had never even smoked to begin with starting to vape.
“It is a testament to the campaigners and health experts that we are seeing positive steps forward to get rid of these devices. I’m delighted with the results and certain that this is the right thing to do.
“Disposable vapes are not only harmful to health, but many of them end up littering our streets, beaches and green spaces. We will now have to keep a close eye on what vape manufacturers are doing and ensure any ban isn’t undermined by them.”
