The LGA has warned that the £100 fine is too low and could let “unscrupulous businesses off the hook”.
The association also said that the minority of “irresponsible” businesses might see this as being “a price worth paying” to continue to sell the products once a ban is in place.
LGA analysis also found that councils can hand out larger penalties for other offences, including up to £500 for littering, £500 for excessive noise from a licensed premises, £200 for a business failing to put up ‘no smoking signs’ and up to £150 for unauthorised distribution of free leaflets on public land.
The LGA has called for the Government to amend the Tobacco and Vaping Bill.
Disposable vapes blight our streets as litter, are a hazard in council bin lorries, and are expensive and difficult to deal with in our recycling centres. Their colours, flavours and advertising are appealing to children and are an increasing risk to the health of young people.
‘Inherently unsustainable’
The LGA said councils have argued that disposable vapes are “inherently unsustainable” and an outright ban is the most effective solution to this problem, urging the government to bring in a ban as soon as is practical.
Cllr Kaya Comer Schwartz, public health spokesperson for the LGA said: “We’re delighted that the government is taking decisive action to ban disposable vapes.
“However, proposed penalties will be a drop in the ocean to a minority of unscrupulous businesses looking to make a quick buck after the ban comes into place.
“Allowing councils to issue bigger fines would act as a strong deterrent and ensure the ban on disposable vapes is effective as well as creating a new smoke-free generation.
“We must do all we can to protect our children and our communities from the harm these single use products can cause, whilst ensuring e-cigarettes are available for those long-term smokers looking to quit.”
WEEE Conference
WEEE collections will be front and centre of the WEEE Conference, taking place on 21 March.
Click here to view the agenda and secure your ticket.
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