The ‘irresponsible’ marketing of e-cigarettes is undermining efforts to stop young people from smoking, council leaders are warning.
The Local Government Association (LGA) is calling for e-cigarette advertising that targets children to be banned, saying manufacturers are exploiting the ‘haziness’ around the marketing of these devices.
The LGA says e-cigarettes are being increasingly advertised on social media, use celebrities to endorse the products and are now available in a range of sweet flavours.
Cllr Katie Hall, chair of the LGA's Community Wellbeing board, said: ‘It is totally unacceptable for e-cigarette advertisers to target children.
‘We cannot allow these devices to become a first step to long–term regular smoking for a generation of youngsters.
’Manufacturers of e-cigarettes have repeatedly claimed they don't market to children but their actions tell a different story.
‘They are using the same sophisticated tactics long employed to sell regular cigarettes. These involve sweet flavours, social media, and celebrities.’
Advertising watchdogs have launched a public consultation on the marketing of e-cigarettes, and the LGA hopes it results in ‘tough and immediate’ action.
