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.
Trinity Leeds is transforming Trinity Kitchen into the ultimate space to watch all the World Cup 2026 action together.
Looking for somewhere to cheer on England in the 2026 World Cup? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered.
Foodie hotspot Trinity Kitchen has been completely transformed into the ultimate fan zone with space for up to 1,000 cheering fans.
And they’ve made sure that nobody misses out on the action.
There are three super-sized 5x3m screens dotted around the space, so wherever you go you won’t miss out on a goal.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There’s also a brand-new bar courtesy of local favourites Northern Monk named the ‘Northern Monk Trinity Tap’.
The tap will feature two, seven-metre bars with a whopping 20 beer taps to keep you refreshed and hydrated during the tournament, because cheering the lads on really can be thirsty work.
If you don’t fancy a beer there’s also cocktails, wine and soft drinks on offer as well - so nobody has to miss out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Feeling peckish? Of course there’s 11 street food vendors serving match day meals and snacks to keep you fuelled through the games.
Choose from Caribbean jerk chicken from Jerk Junction, Indian street food from Rolawala and loads more.
Entry is completely free but if you’re after a reserved seat on a table, tickets cost just £10.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “Trinity Kitchen will operate as normal during the day, transforming into a football fan zone in the evening.
“It will be one of the biggest World Cup venues in Leeds with three huge screens showing the games live and more dotted around Trinity Kitchen. There will be live roaming brass bands and DJs turning every England fixture into a true celebration.
“Fans can turn up and grab a space for free and we will also be offering table bookings for England games for those who want to guarantee the best spots to watch the drama unfold.
“Our line-up of street food vendors will serve bold flavours from around the world, while the all-new Northern Monk Trinity Tap will pour award-winning craft beers across 20 taps, making Trinity Kitchen the ultimate place to eat, drink and experience every unforgettable World Cup moment."
It’s all kicking off on Wednesday 17 June for England v Croatia. So rally your mates together, get your England shirts on and grab your tickets here.
Featured image - The Hoot Leeds
News
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Emily Sergeant -
30th May 2023 
