Government “crackdown” on free vapes for children is too little and very late, say public health leaders

The government has said that it will close a loophole that has allowed retailers to give free samples of electronic cigarettes (vapes) to children in England, as part of a “crackdown” on youth vaping.

Currently, only the sale of vapes to people under 18 is illegal, meaning that some companies have been able to give away free samples to children.

The government has said that its clampdown will include a review of rules on the sale of nicotine-free vapes and the fines issued to shops found to be selling illicit vapes or illegally selling vapes to under 18s. There will be increased education on vaping in schools, and dedicated police liaison officers will be tasked with keeping …