LGA calls for heftier fines needed for businesses who flout disposable vape ban
Photo by PB Photography (Peter Bailey)

BUSINESSES should face tougher fines if they flout the proposed ban on disposable vapes, the Local Government Association (LGA) has urged.

Under the Government's proposed plans, businesses caught selling disposable vapes after the ban has come into place could be given a fixed penalty notice worth £100 by their local Council.

The LGA is warning that this proposed fine amount is too low and might let unscrupulous businesses off the hook. A 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 a number of 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.'
  

• Up to £150 for unauthorised distribution of free leaflets on public land.

The LGA, which represents Councils in England and Wales, is calling for the Government to amend the Tobacco and Vaping Bill to allow Councils to impose heftier fines to prevent the illegal sale of disposable vapes as well as enforcing the new age of sale legislation of tobacco products.

Councils are also calling for new duties on vaping liquid announced at the Budget to be used to fund local environmental, public health and enforcement services.

The LGA has helped lead calls for a ban on disposable vapes.

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.

Councils have argued that disposable vapes are inherently unsustainable products, meaning an outright ban is the most effective solution to this problem and are 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 smokefree 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."

Northern's Regional Director for the North West urges customers to get out and explore during English Tourism Week

NORTHERN is encouraging people to use the train to get out and explore the fantastic visitor attractions across the North of England during English Tourism Week, that runs until 24 March 2024.

Organised by Visit England, it is an annual celebration of tourism which showcases its importance to local communities and economies.

Running 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations, Northern plays an important role in helping tourists reach Towns and Cities across the North and experience everything they have to offer.

The train operator has a range of affordable fares available for customers, who can save up to 65% when they book tickets in advance or make use of discounts offered by the Duo and Rover tickets.

It comes after Visit England revealed people took more than 61 million day trips to destinations across the North over the last 3 months of 2023 and spent more than £3 billion with local businesses.

The figures show they made 31 million visits to the North West during the period, with a further 23 million to Yorkshire and 7 million to the North East.

Craig Harrop, Regional director for Northern in the North West, said:- "We connect customers to some of the best leisure destinations in the country, so they can enjoy a well earned city break, a day at the seaside or a hike at one of our wonderful national parks. We would encourage anyone eager to explore the North of England during English Tourism Week to take the train and make use of the range of Advance Purchase fares and discounts we have on offer."

Customers can take a look at Northern's recommended day trips to inspire their next adventure. There are a range of options for the whole family, those travelling solo or taking the dog out.

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.

For more information about the data released by Visit England, visit:- VisitBritain.Org.

Also you can download the data and reports from our site:-

• PDF Report - Domestic day visits Q4 2023 and 2023 overall (Published on:- 12 March 2024) - Access the findings in our summary report which covers headlines, regional distribution and trip characteristics from the Great Britain Day Visits Survey (GBDVS). DOWNLOAD
  

• Excel File:- Data - Domestic day visits Q4 2023 and 2023 overall (Published on:- 12 March 2024) - Download the data in Excel and explore the detail in the pre-built pivot tables, from the Great Britain Day Visits Survey (GBDVS). DOWNLOAD
  

• PDF - Background Quality Report - Domestic day visits in 2023 (Published on:- 12 March 2024) - See the BQR for an overview of the project, methodology details and the full GBDVS questionnaire. DOWNLOAD

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