A BAN on disposable vapes could be introduced by April next year amid reports of eight- and nine-year-old children vaping during their school lunch break.
Environment Minister Steve Luce confirmed the timeline for proposals in the States Assembly yesterday in response to an oral question from Deputy Lucy Stephenson.
Plans to ban disposable vapes for “both environmental and health-related reasons” were first announced by the previous government in September.
Deputy Luce said that the proposed ban was subject to consultation and would be introduced through an extension of the Island’s Single-Use Plastics Law.
A proposition is expected to be lodged in early September for debate in late October. If passed, there would be a six-month implementation period before the ban took effect in April 2025 – around ten months from now.
The Environment Minister said he would write to retailers this week to give them advance notice.
During the debate, concerns were raised about the accessibility of these products to children.
Constable Kevin Lewis criticised child-friendly vape flavours like “vanilla, popcorn, cherry and bubblegum”.
Meanwhile, Deputy Stephenson said: “I heard this week of a recent case involving Year 4 and Year 5 students at a Jersey school – so eight- and nine-year-olds – being found vaping during break time.”
Responding, Deputy Luce said that further moves were planned to restrict vape advertising, packaging and flavours that appeal to young people.
He said: “Unfortunately, we know vaping use among young people in Jersey has increased with the availability, affordability and marketing of single-use vapes.
“I would strongly anticipate proposals in the future strategy would include regulatory options to reduce demand and supply for all vaping products – for example, through advertising and packaging restrictions.” He added that the Health Minister was expected to bring proposals to regulate all vaping products – not just disposables – which could include advertising restrictions in line with tobacco rules.
While Deputy Luce said vaping was “preferential to smoking tobacco” he added it was not preferable to “breathing fresh air”.
“Potential health risks mean we need to take that into account,” he said.
