Children are increasingly going to corner shops and convenience stores to buy vapes, according to new research by Imperial College London.
The university’s research reveals 51% of young vapers got their vapes from corner shops and convenience stores in 2022, compared to 34% in 2019.
In addition, the data shows increases in the proportion of children reporting that they had seen e-cigarettes on display in shops.
Dr Anthony Laverty, from the school of public health at Imperial College London, said: “These results highlight high levels of exposure to tobacco and e-cigarettes among children as well as the ease of accessing these products.
“This is despite legislation prohibiting sales to minors. There needs to be greater enforcement of existing laws on the display of tobacco, as well as action to stem e-cigarette advertising and put vapes out of sight and reach of children.”
Hazel Cheeseman, Deputy Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health, added: “This analysis shows that in-store promotion has the biggest impact, which is why Ash is advocating that promotion and display of e-cigarettes in shops should be prohibited, as should the child-friendly packaging and labelling of vapes.”
