The European Commission has delayed action on tobacco and nicotine, but countries say it should consider a ban on flavored vapes.

Denmark is leading a charge for a European clampdown on vapes in a move the country says will protect children and young people from harm.

A total of 12 EU health ministers, led by Denmark’s Sophie Løhde, have backed a paper calling on the European Commission to propose new legislation, which could include banning flavored vapes and limiting nicotine content.

They also suggest that social media giants take “greater responsibility” for marketing and sales of vapes on their platforms.

The pressure on the Commission to act on vapes comes after the EU executive delayed its planned reform of tobacco and nicotine rules earlier this year.

The setback triggered a backlash from Belgium’s Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke, who told the European Parliament’s health committee in January that industry lobbying was to blame for the Commission’s inaction.

  • JCreazy@midwest.social
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    6 months ago

    Enforcement costs money and time which it seems nobody has. A complete ban would be cheaper and easier. I don’t even know how you could enforce it. If someone buys a vape that is legal age and gives it to a kid, you can’t stop that. I don’t have an opinion either way as I quit smoking years ago.

    • RelativeArea0@lemmy.world
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      6 months ago

      I agree with what you’ve said about enforcement and also as an ex smoker 🤝

      However, I don’t agree with total ban of stinkies and vapes, etc(as much as i also would like to) because it will cause a fuck ton of new problems, just look at US alcohol prohibition during 1920s and wow, that was wild (feel free to watch oversimplified video about it, i find it as a good reference material)

      • JCreazy@midwest.social
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        6 months ago

        Yes, I know about prohibition. It always gets brought up. It would be interesting to see how a ban on vapes/cigs today plays out how prohibition did back then. What lengths would people go to to get their nicotine fix? Or would most people just think it’s not worth the time and give it up? Would growing your own tobacco for personal use but a ban of commercial sale mean that only the very dedicated would smoke? I lot of interesting things to consider and thank about.

        • Jojo, Lady of the West@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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          6 months ago

          I think a large and important difference is the ease of back-room manufacturer. Anyone with a boiler can can make some alcohol, but vapes are rather more complicated, no? Cigarettes and other straight up smoking products would still be around, though.