Vapes to have less enticing names to protect children, under UK plans

The UK government has unveiled plans to curb the marketing of vapes to children as part of a nationwide consultation. Health Secretary James Murray stated that too many young people are being lured into experimenting with vaping, and the proposals aim to reduce the appeal of these products. The plans include introducing plain packaging, banning enticing flavor descriptions linked to confectionery, sweets, desserts, and alcohol, and moving vapes out of sight in shops. Health experts argue there is no legitimate reason for nicotine products to feature neon packaging, cartoon images, or child-targeted branding. The 100-day consultation follows the recent Tobacco and Vapes Act, which aims to create the UK's first smoke-free generation. This includes a lifelong ban on cigarette sales to anyone born after January 1, 2009, and potential bans on vaping in cars with children, playgrounds, and near schools and hospitals. The consultation also proposes inserts for cigarette packs with quit-smoking help and plans for plain packaging on all tobacco products. According to charity Action on Smoking and Health, around one million 11-17 year olds in Great Britain reported trying vaping in 2025.