The Health Committee of the Greater London Authority Council convened on Thursday 3 September 2026 to discuss the significant issue of underage vaping in London. The meeting, which was confirmed to have been held, featured two panels of experts who provided insights into the health impacts, prevalence, and regulatory responses to youth vaping. Key discussions revolved around the effectiveness of the new Tobacco and Vapes Act, the role of Trading Standards, and the challenges in enforcing regulations amidst concerns about funding and resources.

Underage Vaping in London

The committee heard that underage vaping is a growing concern, with a significant percentage of 11 to 17-year-olds having tried or currently vaping. While vaping is generally considered less harmful than traditional smoking in the short to medium term, the long-term health effects remain unknown, and children are considered more vulnerable due to their developing bodies. Despite the illegality of selling vapes to under-18s, underage sales are reportedly common, with test purchases revealing high rates of non-compliance.

The recently passed Tobacco and Vapes Act aims to address these issues by introducing measures such as mandatory licensing for vape retailers, restrictions on packaging and flavours, and increased enforcement. However, concerns were raised about the capacity of Trading Standards teams to effectively enforce these new regulations due to significant staffing reductions over the years. The Government's commitment of £10 million for Trading Standards apprentices was noted as a positive step, but questions remain about its sufficiency.

Experts also discussed the role of marketing and the appeal of disposable e-cigarettes in driving youth vaping rates. The Act's measures, including restrictions on advertising, packaging, and retail displays, are intended to reduce the attractiveness of vapes to young people. The potential for vaping to act as a gateway to smoking was also debated, with evidence suggesting that while some young people may transition, overall youth smoking rates continue to decline.

The committee also heard about the rise in the use of nicotine pouches among young people, with concerns raised about their accessibility and potential health impacts, including oral health issues and nicotine addiction. The effectiveness of the new legislation in tackling these emerging products was discussed, with a call for the Mayor to prohibit nicotine pouch adverts on Transport for London (TfL) services immediately.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the challenges faced by Trading Standards in enforcing regulations. Panelists highlighted issues such as the prevalence of illicit vapes, the link between illicit sales and organised crime, and the violence and intimidation faced by Trading Standards officers. The need for increased funding, clearer licensing regimes, and more effective penalties for businesses selling to underage individuals was emphasized. The effectiveness of fixed penalty notices (FPNs) was questioned, with suggestions for higher penalties for businesses.

The role of the Mayor and local authorities in supporting the implementation of the Act was also explored. Calls were made for continued advocacy, support for local authorities, and the amplification of public health messages through various channels. The importance of community engagement and involving young people in the conversation was also stressed.

Finally, the committee discussed the potential for collaboration between Trading Standards and the London Youth Assembly, and the need for clearer information on volunteering opportunities within Trading Standards. The discussion also touched upon the complexities of licensing and the potential for businesses to circumvent regulations by changing ownership. The overall sentiment was that while the Tobacco and Vapes Act is a welcome and powerful piece of legislation, its success will depend heavily on effective implementation, adequate resourcing, and ongoing vigilance against industry lobbying.