Concerned Inverclyde councillor clampdown on vapes

Former community pharmacist Sandra Reynolds has declared the situation is now a public health emergency with authorities in danger of losing control.

As experts warn of the potential risks to young peoples' health, Councillor Reynolds says it's time for local targted action.

In a motion to go to before the full council today she wants an expansion of the test purchasing scheme (the hiring by the local authority of underage customers to try to buy adult-only products) to include age-restricted vapes.

Councillor Reynolds also wants local retailers to sign up to a charter to stop taking cash sales for the items.

She said: "I am shocked and appalled at what has been allowed to happen.

"I can't believe that after all the work we did to reduce smoking we now have children, who would never have smoked, now vaping instead.

"It's like we have gone back to the 1960s. The industry is almost unregulated and that needs to change. We are not in control of this."

Councillor Reynolds added: "I have sourced 113 pieces of evidence which shows the risk to young people and children's health."

She has also asked for vaping to be included along with alcohol and drugs education in schools.

Councillor Reynolds' calls come as the Scottish Government announces a consultation that could lead to disposable vapes being banned.

Her motion asks the council to write to the appropriate officials at the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland Public Health asking them to urgently consider regulation of vaping products, including product strengths, availability and advertising.

Councillor Reynolds said: "I want to explore what more we can do as a council, as well as making representations to the relevant governments about regulations around vaping.

"I would also like to see vapes no longer advertised in shop windows to attract young people."