Thousands sign vape shop's petition over new Guernsey laws
A Guernsey vape shop is petitioning against new laws restricting access for under-18s, even with parental supervision, fearing significant customer loss.Summary
The VapeBar in Guernsey has launched a petition, garnering over 1,000 signatures, to protest new laws prohibiting individuals under 18 from entering vape shops, even when accompanied by a parent or carer. Sophie Dorfner of The VapeBar argues the rules discriminate against parents and will simply drive customers to convenience stores where age restrictions are less enforced, potentially leading parents back to tobacco. The new legislation, phased in over time, already bans sales to under-18s and disposable vapes. The final phase includes advertising restrictions and requires vape shops to display products internally. While environmental health director Tobin Cook emphasizes the laws are about “harm prevention,” secondary school teacher Megan Davies supports the changes, citing negative impacts of vaping on young people. Some islanders question the laws’ effectiveness, suggesting underage access will continue through other channels.
(Source：BBC)
