A loophole that allows rogue firms to give free vapes to children is set to be eliminated under new Government plans.
As part of a wider and ongoing clamp-down on youth vaping and smoking habits, especially after recent NHS figures for 2021 showed that 9% of 11 to 15 year old children use e-cigarettes in the UK – Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is today set to reveal how the Government plans to end a loophole that allows retailers to provide children with free vape samples.
The rules around sale of “nicotine-free vapes” to under-18s are also to be reviewed, as well as increased education on the topic, and the introduction of dedicated police liaison officers to keep illegal vapes out of schools.
Although selling vapes to under those under 18 is illegal in the UK, the Government says it’s “clear” from the recent rise in teenage usage of vapes, and the recent surge in the use and promotion of “cheap, colourful products”, that businesses are targeting children.
Because of this targeted marketing, the Government says it also intends to launch a full review into the rules on issuing fines to shops illegally selling vapes to under-18s to allow local Trading Standards to issue on the spot fines and fixed penalty notices “more easily” – which Ministers say will aim to “complement” existing fine and penalty procedures.
Image: Pixabay
It will also aim to cover both illegal and underage sales for vapes and tobacco “where possible”, and when gaps are identified, the Government has pledged to “take action to close them”.
“I am deeply concerned about the sharp rise in kids vaping and shocked by reports of illicit vapes containing lead getting into the hands of school children,” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a statement announcing the new measures.
“Our new illicit vape enforcement squad is on the case, but clearly there is more to do.
“That is why I am taking further action today to clamp down on rogue firms who unlawfully target our children with these products. The marketing and the illegal sales of vapes to children is completely unacceptable and I will do everything in my power to end this practice for good.”
Health Minister Neil O’Brien has slammed the “shameful marketing” of vaping products to children, and says it is directly leading to growing numbers trying e-cigarettes.
The Government has also noted that while the rise in illegal youth vaping is “a cause for concern” among many health professionals and industry bodies, it has acknowledged that many addicted smokers have found using vapes as a successful “quitting tool”.
Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty, has called the measures to address retailers providing free vape samples to children a “very welcome step” in tackling “some of the harms” caused by the e-cigarette industry – but admitted that this shouldn’t get in the way of previously-announced plans to get smokers to switch to vapes.
“We should continue to encourage smokers to swap to vaping as the lesser risk, whilst preventing the marketing and sale of vapes to children,” he added.
The crack-down on youth vaping does come after the Government launched a world-first national scheme offering one in five of all smokers in England a ‘vape starter kit’ alongside behavioural support, back in April, all with the aim of helping them to quit the habit.
It was just one part of a series of new measures announced to help the Government meet its ambition of being ‘smokefree’ by 2030, and reduce smoking rates from 13% to 5% or less.
A planning application has been submitted for a ‘container village’ attraction at Leeds Kirkgate Market.
It was submitted today, Friday 27 March, by STACK Leisure - a company that already runs popular food, drink and entertainment hubs in Lincoln, Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Sunderland.
The proposed STACK Leeds venue would be a two-storey structure made up of repurposed shipping containers, located in Leeds Kirkgate Market’s outdoor trading area.
It would feature six bars, eight street food outlets, a coffee shop, a large stage for live entertainment and giant digital screens.
The development is expected to increase footfall and broaden the customer base across the market and would also benefit the wider city centre and its existing hospitality businesses.
Neill Winch, chief executive of STACK Leisure, said: “We know from our previous experience that once STACK opens it brings huge economic benefits to the wider area.
“It will turn a spotlight on the Leeds Kirkgate Market area and bring in greatly increased footfall, not just to STACK Leeds but to both the indoor and outdoor market. One of the many reasons we are successful is because we offer something for everyone – we are family friendly, pet friendly and our entertainment programme is designed to have widespread appeal.
“It is important for us to become part of the local community and celebrate it, while supporting independent businesses at the same time. We firmly believe that STACK Leeds will be a huge asset to the city and we look forward to moving on with the scheme.”
Kikgate Market’s outdoor trading area currently has room for a total of 185 stalls, with around 85 of those being filled.
Should STACK Leeds secure planning approval, the number of pitches would be reduced and the freed-up space used as the location for the scheme.
Leeds Festival announces second wave of artists including Skepta b2b set
Thomas Melia
One of West Yorkshire's biggest live music events , Leeds Festival, has announced its second wave of artists including a Skepta DJ set.
Back in December, Leeds Festival announced some impressive acts would be headlining like Fontaines D.C., Florence and the Machine, Charli xcx, Raye, Dave, and Chase & Status.
Leeds Festival 2026 also marks the first time this live music extended-weekender will have a Thursday night headliner courtesy of rock band Kasabian.
Alongside the stellar headliners, this year's line-up also sees Skepta, Sombr, Skye Newman, Role Model, Kneecap and more major acts performing next August.
Leeds Festival 2026 announces second wave of artists with over 60 new names / Credit: The Hoot Leeds
Now, Leeds Festival has dropped its second wave of artists with over 60 names that are just as hard-hitting and extraordinary as the previously mentioned music moguls.
Headliner RAYE is making her Leeds Festival headline slot a family affair by bringing along her amazing sisters along for the ride too as Amma and Absolutely are now playing sets.
Violet Grohl, the eldest daughter of Foo Fighters' frontman Dave Grohl, is making her first ever festival appearance and bringing her alternative-indie sound to Leeds.
Skepta announced for a b2b set and Violet Grohl makes festival performance debut / Credit: @henrygoodfell0w / Press Shot via supplied
Get ready for Cruz Beckham and The Breakers to step out for a set like no other too, as they prepare a performance all 'for your love' and attention.
There's even a brand-new stage titled The Warehouse which will act as the home for all things dance music, with exclusive b2b sets, DJ performances and a club-like experience.
The acts taking to this stage include Skepta b2b with East End Dubs, Omar +, Bou, Hedex, Rossi, Mall Grab and lots more.
More artists ready to wow the Bramham Park crowd include Arthur Hill, The Lathums, Duke Dumont, Slayyyter, The K's, Paris Paloma, Holly Humberstone and more.
Leeds Festival is taking place from 27 August to 30 August at Bramham Park and to find a full line-up HERE.
If you're after getting your hands on tickets for one of West Yorkshire's biggest festivals when it returns this August, you can do so HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
30th May 2023 
