Press Release: Ban on Vape Advertising in Sport

Last week, Alan Brown, MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun, attended an event at the House of Commons to show his support for banning vape advertising in sport.

The drop-in event was organised by Kirsten Oswald MP, member of Parliament for East Renfrewshire, who has long campaigned for such a ban.

Currently, advertising of vapes is banned on television, radio, and most online spaces, but vape companies can still sponsor sport kits and venues. High profile examples include Blackburn Rovers FC, who are sponsored by Totally Wicked Vapes, and whose matches appear on TV, watched by sports fans up and down the country, including many young people.

The number of young people vaping is at an all-time high. Statistics from Action in Smoking and Health show that 9.5% have tried vaping, with recent reports indicating that 7.6% are currently vaping. These are young people who have never smoked but are now being addicted to vaping.

In recent sessions of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill Committee, Sir Gregor Smith, the Scottish Chief Medical Officer, said, “Where I become very uncomfortable, and I am not supportive, is where the massive attraction of sports companies is used in a way that promotes behaviours that are known to be unsafe or unhealthy.”

As things stand, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill does not include a clause to ban vape sponsorship in sports, but there is increasing agreement that this will be necessary to close what is an unnecessary and harmful loophole.

Commenting, Alan Brown, Member of Parliament for Kilmarnock and Loudoun, said:

“The number of young people vaping today is deeply worrying, and we must use all levers at our disposal to tackle this issue. Vape advertising is already banned on television and radio, and it is time that this ban is extended to sponsorship in sports.”

“The influence of sports sponsorship on young minds cannot be underestimated. Allowing vape companies to sponsor sports teams and events sends a mixed message about the safety and acceptability of these products. It’s crucial that we protect our young people from being targeted by such marketing strategies.

“I commend Kirsten Oswald MP for her tireless efforts on this issue. Together, we will continue to push for the necessary legislative changes to protect our youth from the dangers of vaping.”