Youth Vaping

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 2:19 pm on 8 October 2024.

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Photo of Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Labour 2:19, 8 October 2024

Well, thanks very much. I think we're all shocked by the proliferation of vape stores; they seem to be popping up everywhere and, clearly, this is an area where we need local authorities to use planning regulations and guidance to ensure that new premises conform to law. And we're very keen to make sure that local health boards play an active role when councils are developing local development plans. So, I do think that it's really important we get those local development plans right, so that, when the planning applications go in, if it doesn't conform to what we want to see—and this is vapes, but I think you could say the same thing about fast food stores outside schools and things, all of those things—. I think there's real opportunity to tighten things up in this space, and that's certainly something that I'll be interested in pursuing. 

Just in terms of advertising, look, it's clear that we have to explore all progressive actions to restrict the marketing, advertising, of flavours, which is clearly targeted at children, and it is shocking to see how many children now take up and try those products. I think 18 per cent of young people aged 11 to 17 have tried the products. So, there's far more to do in this space and, obviously, the UK Government will be bringing in that tobacco and vapes Bill, and we'll be looking to see how we can work with them to progress this agenda.