RCGP response to consultation on vaping restrictions

RCGP has responded to the UK Government and devolved governments’ consultation on proposals to reduce the appeal of vapes to children and young people.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said:

“GPs see the devastating consequences of smoking day in, day out in our surgeries, and vaping can play a role in helping some adult smokers to quit. But vapes are not risk-free, and they should never be designed, packaged or marketed in ways that encourage children, young people or people who have never smoked to take them up.

“We have become increasingly concerned about the impact and influence that vapes are having on young people and children, some of whom are becoming dependent on nicotine without ever having smoked. Bright packaging, sweet flavours and prominent shop displays can all make these products more appealing to children, despite containing an addictive substance.

“This is why measures to restrict the marketing, packaging and display of vapes are very welcome. It is vital that any new regulations are properly enforced and supported by clear public health messaging, so that children are protected from nicotine addiction while adult smokers can still access evidence-based support to quit.

“We’ve made huge strides in reducing smoking over recent decades, and GPs and our teams have played a major part in encouraging millions of people to quit and live healthier lives. We must build on that progress towards a smoke-free society, while ensuring that vaping products are used only where they have a clear role in helping people stop smoking."

Further information

RCGP press office: 0203 188 7659

press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.