Following France, UK’s Scottish Government Considers Banning Disposable E-cigarettes
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Following France, UK’s Scottish government considers banning disposable e-cigarettes
On September 5, the Scottish government announced plans to consult on a proposal to ban the sale of disposable e-cigarettes and other appropriate measures.
On September 5, the Scottish government announced plans to consult on a proposal to ban the sale of disposable e-cigarettes and other appropriate measures. According to the proposal, the move is aimed at reducing e-cigarette use among non-smokers and young people and addressing the environmental impact of disposable e-cigarettes.
The Scottish Government earlier this year commissioned Zero Waste Scotland to conduct a review into the environmental impact of single-use e-cigarettes, with potential policy options included in the report including a ban on sales. Additionally, this year’s updated Tobacco Action Plan will set out actions to help ensure children, teenagers and non-smokers do not use disposable e-cigarettes to achieve the 2034 smoke-free goal.
Scotland's First Minister Hamza Youssef said after unveiling his first government plan: "Disposable e-cigarettes pose a threat to both public health and the environment. When it comes to the environment, the evidence is undeniable - from the streets of waste, to the risk of fire at waste management facilities, these issues require action."
Youssef said his government would work "constructively" with retailers and other stakeholders to come up with solutions. He added: "While we will seek views on the single-use e-cigarette ban, we are also keen to explore other interventions that may have a more direct impact."
At the request of Scotland's First Minister, the Circular Economy Minister and the Public Health Minister will meet with colleagues in the UK Government, Welsh Government and Northern Ireland Executive to discuss recent research findings and potential policy measures.
"Of course this is not just a problem in Scotland - these are being experienced across the UK and we will be discussing potential solutions soon," Youssef said. Consultations on the proposed ban will be held next year, with an updated Tobacco Action Plan due to be published in the autumn.
