The Royal College of Pharmacy (RCPharm) is calling for stricter measures to reduce the appeal of vaping and nicotine products among children and young people, while protecting their role in helping adults quit smoking.
The college shared that they support stronger restrictions on product packaging, branding and design. These include measures to prevent products from resembling toys, games or lifestyle accessories.
It also highlighted that while nicotine e-cigarettes can help people quit smoking, access to accurate advice and effective smoking cessation support must be maintained through community pharmacies.
They also stressed that better product information is vital as people can understand nicotine strength, ingredients and relative risk of harm.
The college does not support allowing community pharmacies to be exempt from restrictions on the display of non-medicinal vaping and nicotine products. It argues there is no direct evidence that product displays improve smoking cessation outcomes.
It further stated that pharmacies should maintain a clear distinction between their clinical role in providing evidence-based smoking cessation support, and the sale of non-medicinal nicotine products.
RCPharm Chief Scientist Professor Amira Guirguis said: “We strongly support measures that reduce the appeal of vaping and nicotine products to consumers, particularly children and young people.
"Community pharmacies play a vital role in helping people to stop smoking and improve their health. Regulations should support that clinical role, help smokers make informed choices about smoking cessation products and ensure they are presented responsibly.”
According to charity Action on Smoking and Health, more than 1.7k professionals have signed an open letter backing Government proposals to tighten rules on the packaging, appearance and display of tobacco, vapes and other nicotine products.
Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), said: “Industries that profit from tobacco and nicotine are campaigning hard against these regulations, but hundreds of health and education professionals are urging Ministers to stand firm."
