A ban on disposable vapes could be introduced by April next year following reports of eight- and nine-year-old children vaping during school lunch breaks.
Environment Minister Steve Luce confirmed the timeline for the proposals in the States Assembly yesterday, responding to an oral question from Deputy Lucy Stephenson. The plans, aiming to address both environmental and health-related concerns, were first announced by the previous government in September.
Deputy Luce stated that the proposed ban is subject to consultation and would be implemented 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 will be a six-month implementation period before the ban takes effect in April 2025, approximately ten months from now.
The Environment Minister also mentioned that 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 criticized child-friendly vape flavors such as “vanilla, popcorn, cherry, and bubblegum.”
Deputy Stephenson shared a recent case involving Year 4 and Year 5 students at a Jersey school—eight- and nine-year-olds—being found vaping during break time. In response, Deputy Luce indicated that further measures are planned to restrict vape advertising, packaging, and flavors that appeal to young people.
He stated, “Unfortunately, we know vaping use among young people in Jersey has increased due to the availability, affordability, and marketing of single-use vapes. I strongly anticipate future proposals will include regulatory options to reduce demand and supply for all vaping products, such as advertising and packaging restrictions.”
He added that the Health Minister is expected to bring forward proposals to regulate all vaping products, not just disposables, which could include advertising restrictions similar to those for tobacco.
While Deputy Luce acknowledged that vaping is “preferential to smoking tobacco,” he emphasized that it is not preferable to “breathing fresh air.” He concluded, “Potential health risks mean we need to take that into account.”
