Singapore passes tougher laws on vapes with heavier penalties; protecting young a key concern

The new Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act is expected to come into force from May 1. Read more at straitstimes.com.

SINGAPORE – Adults who involve young people or vulnerable persons in smuggling or supplying Kpods will be jailed for up to 20 years and given up to 15 strokes of the cane.

And any adult who has a Kpod but does not try to prevent a young person from using it can be jailed for up to 10 years.

These are some of the new anti-vaping laws passed on March 6, which are expected to come into force from May 1.

The new Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act was amended via the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) (Amendment) and Other Matters Bill.

Previously called the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, the renamed Act strengthens enforcement against vaping and Kpods, which are vapes laced with the anaesthetic agent etomidate.

Under the new laws, entertainment venues such as clubs and bars must stop patrons from vaping and require them to discard their devices. These places can eject such patrons from their premises.