UK government recognises importance of vapes in quitting smoking
The UK government has said it recognises vape flavours are important to adults quitting smoking - and will consult further on a proposed ban.
Responding to a petition against the ban, which has almost 50,000 signatures, the government says it is targeting vape flavours because of their appeal to children, saying “There has been an alarming rise in youth vaping in recent years.”
But it adds: “We will consult further, being mindful of the role flavours can play in supporting adult smokers to quit.”
The response outlines research showing that vapes appeal to children and are “too easily accessible and affordable.” It says studies show that flavours are an important factor in motivating children and young people to start vaping and that 60 per cent would choose a ‘fruit flavour.’
However, it also acknowledges that flavours help adults to give up smoking, which is far more dangerous to health than vaping. It points to research showing that the use of flavoured vapes - particularly fruit - has increased among smokers.
It says: “We also recognise the importance of vape flavours to adult smokers that are looking to quit smoking. Research on e-cigarette support for smoking cessation by London South Bank University has found that there is evidencue that flavoured vaping products can also help adults quit smoking.
“The use of flavoured vapes in smokers has also increased as shown in the report ‘Use of e-cigarettes among adults in Great Britain’ by Action on Smoking and Health.
“In 2015, most adults who vaped used tobacco flavour. However, in recent years there has been a shift, and in 2023 more adults are choosing fruit flavours (47 per cent), as well as mint and menthol (17 per cent), and tobacco (12 per cent).”
Under the proposed new legislation, there will be tighter restrictions on vape flavours and how they are described, as well as on packaging and where vapes are displayed in shops.
But the Government response says there will be further consultation to consider how this will impact smokers looking to give up.
It says: “The collective aim of these measures is to reduce the appeal and accessibility of vapes to children, whilst ensuring that vapes remain an option for adult smokers looking to quit.
“Future restrictions on vape flavours will be subject to further analysis and consultation before any regulations are laid in Parliament for debate. To avoid unintended consequences on smoking rates, the scope of these restrictions will be carefully considered and weighed against evidence.”
What you can do
Sign the petition:
Once the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it can be debated in Parliament. Sign it here. The deadline is August 24, 2024.
Respond to the consultation
Look out for the consultation, and add your response. We will keep you up to date.
