The Health Committee of the Greater London Authority Council met on Thursday 3 September 2026 to discuss underage vaping in London. The Committee heard from experts about the health impacts of vaping on young people, the factors driving its increase, and the potential effectiveness of the new Tobacco and Vapes Act [2026]. The Committee also heard from Trading Standards representatives about the challenges they face in enforcing regulations and the need for increased resources.

The Committee discussed the health impacts of vaping on young people, with Dr Abigail Whitehouse highlighting localised respiratory symptoms, potential links to mental health issues, and the unknown long-term effects due to the novelty of the products. Professor Kevin Fenton noted that while vaping is considered safer than smoking, it is not without risks, and concerns remain about its link to wider health inequalities, particularly in more deprived areas of London. John Waldron from ASH explained that the rise in youth vaping was driven by the emergence of cheap, colourful, and aggressively marketed disposable vaping products, and that despite a ban on these, youth vaping rates have plateaued due to the continued availability of reusable products.

The discussion also covered the effectiveness of legislation in tackling underage vaping, with Professor Fenton drawing parallels to successful smoking reduction strategies. The Committee heard about the concerning rise in the use of nicotine pouches among young people, with calls for the Mayor to prohibit their advertising on TfL services. Trading Standards representatives, including John Herriman from CTSI, Trish Burls from Croydon, Denise Power from Hammersmith and Fulham, and Stuart Radnedge from LTS, detailed the challenges they face in enforcing regulations due to understaffing and the ease with which underage individuals can still access vapes. They welcomed the new Tobacco and Vapes Act [2026] for its potential to consolidate powers and introduce a mandatory licensing scheme for retailers, but stressed the critical need for adequate funding and resources for effective enforcement. The Committee also explored the effectiveness of fixed penalty notices and the potential for increased financial penalties for businesses.

The Committee concluded by discussing the role of the Mayor and public health systems in supporting the implementation of the Act, with calls for continued advocacy, investment in community-based interventions, and a focus on education and awareness campaigns. The need for a holistic approach that considers the wider determinants of health and well-being for young people was also emphasised.