A recent survey indicates that two-thirds of parents with children under 18 support raising the legal age for purchasing vaping products from 18 to 21. The poll, conducted by Whitestone Insight for the Freedom Association, gathered responses from more than 2,000 participants.

The findings come amid ongoing government efforts to regulate the vaping industry. Last month, proposals were announced that would require plain packaging for vape products and mandate cigarette-style cabinets to conceal them from public view. However, over half of those surveyed expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of these measures in curbing sales.

Respondents showed stronger support for more stringent enforcement actions. Among the proposed strategies, tougher penalties for retailers selling vapes to minors or stocking illegal products were favored by 84 percent of respondents. Increased inspections and enforcement received support from 82 percent, while 78 percent backed the introduction of compulsory licensing for vape retailers.

David Campbell Bannerman, chairman of the Freedom Association, emphasized the public’s desire for stricter control over illegal sales rather than cosmetic changes to packaging. He argued that current government plans focus on minor measures that do not sufficiently address the issue of underage access, calling instead for licensing schemes aimed at shutting down rogue vendors and applying harsher penalties to offending retailers.

The government’s approach to regulating vaping products includes provisions under the Tobacco and Vapes Act, which grants powers to introduce a mandatory retailer licensing system covering vapes, cigarettes, and other nicotine products. However, formal consultation on the licensing initiative is not expected to begin until next year.

The survey highlights a disconnect between public expectations and current policy proposals, with many parents advocating for more robust enforcement and regulatory frameworks to prevent minors from obtaining vaping products.