Tobacco Basel EVP submits motion for ban on disposable e-cigarettes

Christoph Hochuli, a member of the Basel EPP, has tabled a motion calling for a cantonal ban on the sale of disposable e-cigarettes. The motion was signed by members of the cantonal parliament from almost all parties, the Basel-Stadt EPP announced on Wednesday evening.

The colorful, sweet and fruity e-cigarettes are cheap and easily available, which makes them particularly appealing to young people, the communiqué continued. After a certain number of puffs, however, they are simply thrown away.

In addition to the health risks posed by disposable e-cigarettes, they also pose a significant environmental problem. Instead of being recycled correctly, millions of them end up in the trash or in nature. Proper disposal is necessary in order to recover valuable raw materials and minimize environmental pollution.

At the beginning of September, the parliament of the canton of Jura approved a motion for a general ban on disposable e-cigarettes. The signatories of the Basel motion are now instructing the cantonal government to also quickly enact a general ban on the sale of disposable e-cigarettes in the canton of Basel-Stadt.

Meanwhile, a ban on disposable e-cigarettes is also being discussed at federal level: In June, the National Council adopted a corresponding motion by the Vaud National Councillor Christophe Clivaz (Greens) by 122 votes to 63 with four abstentions. It is currently uncertain whether a national ban will actually be implemented. The next step is for the Council of States to decide on a ban on so-called "brothel bars".

SDA