July 10, 2026 - 232 views
Public asked for views on tougher rules to stop children being attracted to vapes
People across Wales are being invited to have their say on plans to introduce tougher restrictions on vaping products, aimed at making them less appealing to children and young people.
The Welsh Government, along with the other UK nations, has launched a consultation on new measures that could see colourful vape packaging, eye-catching branding and some flavour names banned.
The proposals include requiring vape and nicotine product packaging to be plain white, removing branding and imagery designed to attract younger users. Flavour names could also be restricted to simple, recognised descriptions such as “Apple”, ending names like “Cosmic Fog” or “Cotton Candy”.
Shops could also face new rules preventing vaping products from being openly displayed. Instead, they would need to be kept behind the counter, in the same way tobacco products are currently sold.
The consultation follows concerns about rising numbers of children and young people using vapes in Wales. Figures show more than a quarter of 11 to 16-year-olds have tried vaping, while almost 7% vape every week. Among 16-year-olds, more than 45% have tried a vape and weekly use stands at 16%.
The Welsh Government says the changes are designed to reduce youth vaping while ensuring adults who use vaping products as a way to quit smoking can still access them.
Deputy Minister for Preventative and Public Health Nerys Evans said the increase in young people trying and regularly using vapes was “a real concern”.
She said: “They are being deliberately designed and marketed to appeal to children - with bright colours, cartoon branding and sweet-sounding flavour names that have no place in products containing addictive nicotine.”
The proposals form part of the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, with all four UK nations consulting together on the future regulation of vaping products.
Chief Medical Officer for Wales Isabel Oliver said the biggest health risk for young people was addiction.
She said the proposals could help prevent future generations becoming dependent on vaping and nicotine products, which could have a significant impact on their health and wellbeing.
The consultation is open to the public, parents, businesses, retailers, health professionals and community organisations. Responses are being accepted until 2 October 2026.
