Two-Thirds of Parents Demand Vaping Age Be Raised to 21

A new poll has revealed that two-thirds of parents with children under 18 want the legal vaping age raised to 21. The survey, conducted by Whitestone Insight, indicates that the public views current government plans to curb youth vaping as inadequate, demanding immediate crackdowns on illegal retailers instead.

The survey of more than 2,000 people, commissioned by the pressure group the Freedom Association, shows deep dissatisfaction with current policy proposals. More than half of the respondents believe that requiring plain packaging and hiding vapes in cigarette-style cabinets will fail to curb underage sales.

David Campbell Bannerman, chairman of the Freedom Association, criticized the current legislative focus. “The public’s message is crystal clear. Ministers are focusing on the wrong target,” Bannerman said. “The Government is tinkering around the edges with plain packaging and display restrictions when the real problem is illegal sales and irresponsible shopkeepers chasing profits.”

Voters Call for Immediate Retailer Licensing

While the Labour government secured powers through the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 to introduce a mandatory retailer-licensing scheme, ministers do not plan to consult on the proposal until next year. The poll shows that four in five people (81%) want this consultation brought forward from its planned 2027 timeline.

To combat illegal sales, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood recently granted police and local councils the authority to shut down shops selling illicit vapes for up to 12 months. Additionally, the Prime Minister proposed planning reforms requiring new vape shops to obtain local council permission before opening.

However, the public wants faster, more direct action. Half of those surveyed stated that tougher penalties for shops supplying minors would be the single most effective deterrent. Another 36% supported stripping repeat offenders of their business licenses.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Proposed Measures

The poll highlights a stark divide between what the public believes will work and the measures currently prioritized by the government. Enforcement and licensing consistently outperform packaging regulations in public approval.

Proposed Anti-Vaping Measure	Public Approval / Perceived Effectiveness
Tougher penalties for illegal sales to children	84%
Increased inspections and active enforcement	82%
Compulsory licensing for vape retailers	78%
Keeping vapes out of public sight	57%
Plain packaging on vaping products	39% (7% among parents of under-18s)

Support for strict retail licensing remains high across political divides. Even among Reform UK supporters, who typically oppose business regulations, 72% view compulsory licensing as an effective way to protect young people. Among parents, 66% support raising the purchase age to 21, compared to 51% of those without children.

Source: Two thirds of parents want vaping age raised to 21

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.