Businesses should face tougher fines if they flout the proposed
ban on disposable vapes, the Local Government Association (LGA)
has urged today.
Under the Government’s proposed plans, businesses caught selling
disposable vapes after the ban has come into place could be given
a fixed penalty notice worth £100 by their local council.
The LGA is warning that this proposed fine amount is too low and
might let unscrupulous businesses off the hook. A minority of
irresponsible businesses might see this as being a price worth
paying to continue to sell the products once a ban is in
place.
LGA analysis also found that councils can hand out larger
penalties for a number of other offences including:
up to £500 for littering
£500 for excessive noise from a licensed premises
£200 for a business failing to put up ‘no smoking signs’
up to £150 for unauthorised distribution of free leaflets on
public land
The LGA, which represents councils in England and Wales, is
calling for the Government to amend the Tobacco and Vaping Bill
to allow councils to impose heftier fines to prevent the illegal
sale of disposable vapes as well as enforcing the new age of sale
legislation of tobacco products.
Councils are also calling for new duties on vaping liquid
announced at the Budget to be used to fund local environmental,
public health and enforcement services.
The LGA has helped lead calls for a ban on disposable vapes.
Disposable vapes blight our streets as litter, are a hazard in
council bin lorries, and are expensive and difficult to deal with
in our recycling centres. Their colours, flavours and advertising
are appealing to children and are an increasing risk to the
health of young people.
Councils have argued that disposable vapes are inherently
unsustainable products, meaning an outright ban is the most
effective solution to this problem and are urging the Government
to bring in a ban as soon as is practical.
Cllr Kaya Comer Schwartz, public health spokesperson for the LGA
said:
“We’re delighted that the Government is taking decisive action to
ban disposable vapes.
“However, proposed penalties will be a drop in the ocean to a
minority of unscrupulous businesses looking to make a quick buck
after the ban comes into place.
“Allowing councils to issue bigger fines would act as a strong
deterrent and ensure the ban on disposable vapes is effective as
well as creating a new smokefree generation.
“We must do all we can to protect our children and our
communities from the harm these single use products can cause
whilst ensuring e-cigarettes are available for those long term
smokers looking to quit.”
