Agenda item

A Member asked about the Smoking Cessation Service and the use of vapes, noting that one particular brand is equivalent to 60 cigarettes.    The Director of Public Health advised that the service works with  vape shops in supporting the use of the devices to wean smokers off cigarettes.     The Public Health Team frequently review the and evaluate evidence and,  whilst E-cigarettes are less harmful than tobacco, it will maintain a nicotine habit.  Whilst not promoting vaping, it is a pathway to eventually quitting.   The Member raised concerns about young people taking up vaping rather than smoking, as it is a lot cheaper than cigarettes and whether shop owners should not be giving out testers.  The Port Health and Public Protection Director advised that the sale of underage vaping products had been brought to the attention of National Trading Standards.  The Director agreed to link up with the Director of Public Health’s Team in terms of investigating and bringing a report to a future meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board.