A scheme to stamp out the sale of illegal tobacco in Wales is being extended to target criminals who sell unregulated and unlawful vapes to children. The national “No Ifs No Butts” campaign is being expanded to encourage people to anonymously report the illegal or underage sale of vapes.

It’s official launch is being held during an event at the Senedd today. ASH Wales’ Youth Vaping Survey 2024 showed that among secondary school children in Wales who say they vape, more than half of them reported using vapes of more than 600 puffs – making them highly likely to be illegal, unregulated and potentially dangerous.

Suzanne Cass, Chief Executive of ASH Wales Cymru said: “Our field work across the country demonstrates very clearly that children are being targeted by criminals who are selling these highly addictive products. These criminals don’t care whether the products are regulated and legitimate, or how old the children are. All they want is to make a profit.

“This anonymous online portal is for parents, carers, teachers and young people themselves to report where and when they’re being offered illegal vapes. With the help of communities across Wales, we can make a difference and protect our children.”

All anonymous reports to the website are sent to Trading Standards departments across the country to be investigated. Reports can result in a range of enforcement actions, including orders to shut down shops. A dedicated advertising campaign promoting the new drive and supported by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, will be launched across north Wales in the coming weeks.

In partnership with Welsh Government and Trading Standards, the No Ifs No Butts campaign was originally designed to stop criminals offering children illegal tobacco in Wales. It has proved hugely successful, with 800 reports in the last two years – on average, more than one every day. According to research from ASH Wales, illegal tobacco makes up 10% of the entire tobacco market, funds criminality in the community and makes it easy for children start smoking.

The most recent NEMS survey, which is the largest of its kind in the UK, showed children in Wales were most likely to be offered illegal tobacco by friends or family (39%), in educational settings (17%) and in shops (11%).

The study also indicated that children who had bought illegal tobacco were highly likely to buy it every time they were offered it (89%).

Suzanne Cass added: “With the second reading of the Tobacco & Vapes Bill due in the UK Parliament next week, we must keep our focus on where the tobacco industry goes next. They already have a brand new Menu of Addiction on offer to entice the next generation of nicotine addicts. ASH Wales is working to raise awareness and mitigate the impact of these products, particularly among our most vulnerable.”

ENDS

About ASH Wales 

ASH Wales is the leading organisation dedicated to achieving a smoke-free Wales by 2030. Established in 1976, we work to reduce the prevalence of smoking and its associated health, social, and economic impacts. Through robust tobacco control policies, dynamic campaigns, and community engagement, we strive to protect future generations from the harms of tobacco. Our initiatives include advocating for strong public health measures, supporting smoking cessation efforts, and collaborating with partners across Wales to create a healthier, smoke-free nation. 

Website www.ash.wales 

Facebook www.facebook.com/ASHCymru  

Twitter www.twitter.com/ASHWalesCymru