Gareth Walters and Rachel Calnan delivered a presentation on the
issue of illegal vaping, its impact on youth, the role of trading
standards, and efforts to combat the problem. They subsequently
answered the members’ questions with John
Crandon:
Key Points raised by Members:
- Members asked what percentage is purchased online. Discussion
took place as to how laypeople can distinguish between legal and
illegal vapes in shops, focusing on the identification of compliant
products.
- The
Committee discussed whether there is any evidence that this is a
problem emerging at primary school level.
- There was a concern that some young people aren’t
sufficiently informed about the health damage that vaping can do
and that may not be enough evidence of vaping being a health
problem to act as a deterrent.
- A
member highlighted that drivers vaping
and road safety is also a concern.
- Members asked how blatant illegal sales are and how members
could spot it. They asked if there are any hotspots for illegal
vape sales in Monmouthshire and how residents can report such sales
and what the process is for residents to report
things.
- They also sought clarification on the educational efforts
regarding the health risks of vaping.
- A
member expressed interest in the controls over internet sales of
vapes, the effectiveness of import controls, and the manufacturing
origins of vapes and what the regulations are. For example, in
terms of TCH being added, how do we stop
that?
- The
member also suggested improving the dissemination of information
about online sessions on vaping.
- Members queried what happens if there’s a repeat offence
and how long someone is given to change their ways before there is
a prosecution and whether there had been any
prosecutions.
- Members asked if new products are being introduced continually
to circumvent the legislation and of so, how we stay on top of the
industry, not just the sellers.
- A
member asked about the liaison with new Police and Crime
Commissioner and whether there is a good relationship between
trading standards and the police, and how it operates on a
practical basis.
- Members asked about opportunities to enlist parents and members
to communicate more widely.
- Members poke of their concerns about the growing problem of
illegal vaping, especially among children and young people, leading
to nicotine dependency and health issues, especially the presence
of nicotine in products labelled as
nicotine-free.
- Members asked about how schools, police, and community safety
teams work in partnership to address the issue. The development of
educational resources and campaigns to raise awareness among young
people and parents was also discussed.
- Members asked about new legislation which may regulate vapes
more strictly and align them with tobacco products and heard that
there was a need for continued vigilance and adaptation to new
market developments. Members highlighted that the issue was complex
and were reassured that a multifaceted approach is being taken to
tackle illegal vaping.
Chair’s Summary:
The
Chair thanked Gareth and Rachel for their significant work in
combatting illegal vaping and said members felt satisfied with the
comprehensive answers that had been provided to the concerns about
enforcement, public health, community safety, and the need for
effective communication and education on the issue of vaping. The
Committee agreed to request a further update in 9 months to a
year.