Belfast Council to Ban Under 18 Vaping on Its Sites: Addressing Public Health Crisis



Belfast City Council is taking action to tackle the growing problem of vaping among children and young adults. UUP Councillor and Doctor John Kyle has proposed a motion to the council, calling for a working group to be established to strengthen current legislation and enforcement in relation to vaping. The motion also seeks to ban the use of vapes by all under 18's on all council premises.

Vaping has become a common practice among young people, with many unaware of the dangers associated with it. The motion highlights the fact that these products are addictive, damaging to health, and often contain illegal substances. The legislation covering their sale is inadequate, with no registration of retailers, no restriction on the display of products, and no resources to identify harmful additives. Many disposable vapes are designed to be attractive to children and pose an environmental and health risk when discarded in the street.

The council will convene a working group with other stakeholders, including the Department of Health, the Public Health Agency, and the PSNI, to consider measures to strengthen current legislation and enforcement, including a potential ban on the sale of disposable vapes. Furthermore, the council will ban the use of vapes by under 18s on all its sites and premises.

This article will explore the issue of underage vaping in Belfast, the proposed ban on under 18 vaping on council sites, and the potential impact of the motion on public health.

The Growing Problem of Underage Vaping

Vaping has become a popular alternative to smoking, particularly among young people. The use of e-cigarettes has surged in recent years, with over 3 million people in the UK now using them regularly. However, concerns have been raised about the impact of vaping on public health, particularly among children and young adults.

According to a survey conducted by the Public Health Agency in 2019, one in five 11-16-year-olds in Northern Ireland had tried vaping. The survey also found that many young people were unaware of the risks associated with vaping, with 40% believing that e-cigarettes were less harmful than smoking.

Vaping has been linked to a range of health problems, including lung damage, respiratory issues, and cardiovascular problems. The long-term effects of vaping are not yet fully understood, but early research suggests that vaping may be just as harmful as smoking.

The Motion to Ban Under 18 Vaping on Council Sites

UUP Councillor and Doctor John Kyle's motion seeks to address the issue of underage vaping by banning the use of vapes by all under 18's on all council premises. The motion also calls for a working group to be established to consider measures to strengthen current legislation and enforcement in relation to vaping.

The proposed ban on under 18 vaping on council sites would help to protect young people from the harmful effects of vaping and prevent the normalization of this dangerous habit. By taking this action, Belfast City Council is demonstrating its commitment to public health and safety.

The Potential Impact of the Motion

If the motion is passed by the council, it could have a significant impact on public health in Belfast. The ban on under 18 vaping on council sites would send a clear message that vaping is not a safe or acceptable practice for young people. It could also encourage other organizations to take similar action to protect their premises and customers from the harms of vaping.

The working group established by the council would also play a crucial role in strengthening current legislation and enforcement in relation to vaping. By working with other stakeholders, including the Department of Health and the Public Health Agency, the council could develop a comprehensive strategy for tackling the issue of underage vaping.

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