BRIGHT DISPLAYS, DARK CONSEQUENCES: LIBERAL DEMOCRAT MP CALLS FOR CRACKDOWN ON VAPING MARKETING TARGETING CHILDREN

The call comes alongside support for the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, which represents an important step forward in tackling smoking and youth vaping. However, the MP believes the legislation does not go far enough to address the widespread visibility and promotion of vaping products in communities across the country.

Liberal Democrat MP Manuela Perteghella has tabled an Early Day Motion urging the Government to strengthen regulations on the marketing and display of vaping products, including requiring that they are not visible from outside retail premises and bringing vaping retail rules into line with existing tobacco controls.

Commenting on this, Manuela Perteghella MP said:

"No child should be encouraged into a new and harmful addiction simply by walking down their local high street. Colourful displays, eye-catching branding and shopfront advertising help to normalise vaping and make these products appear harmless and attractive to young people.

"The Tobacco and Vapes Act is a welcome milestone, but there are still significant loopholes that must be addressed. If we are serious about preventing youth vaping, we must ensure these products are not marketed in ways that catch the attention of children.

“My constituents have raised legitimate concerns about vaping products being displayed at the eyeline of children in several shops across the constituency and beyond. 

“Cotton Candy, Gummy Bear and Unicorn Shake are but three examples of vape that can be found in convenience stores next to everyday items. You must be 18 or over to buy these products so the placement is not appropriate.” 

“Furthermore, disposable devices contribute to growing levels of electronic waste, while lithium-ion batteries present an increasing fire risk when improperly stored, disposed of or sold from unsuitable premises. I visited the Biffa site in Stratford-upon-Avon recently, and on the day of my visit, a truck caught fire because of one of these products. Fortunately, the crew dealt with it swiftly and no one was harmed.”

“I am calling for changes in the way that vaping products are sold. My constituents want to see an end to vaping products and marketing in shop windows and restrictions on the use of vaping-related branding and terminology in shopfront signage which bring regulations closer to those already applied to tobacco retailers.

“The Government should also give serious consideration to the fire safety regulations for premises selling vaping products, particularly those operating in listed and heritage buildings.

Concluding on the need to protect children, Manuela Perteghella MP said:

“Protecting the next generation should be at the heart of our public health policy. These are sensible, proportionate measures that will help keep vaping as a tool for adults rather than a product marketed in plain sight to children.”

Link to the EDM: Visibility, marketing and public safety of vaping products - Early Day Motions - UK Parliament