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    20,000 sign petition to protect vapes

    Ali Anderson
    Ali Anderson
    March 5, 2024
    3 min read
    Download Source FilesDownload Source Files

    Almost 20,000 people have signed an online petition against a crackdown on vapes in Europe that would put “millions of lives” at risk.

    Action group World Vapers’ Alliance is urging vapers to get behind its petition calling on the European Union (EU) not to place further restrictions on safer alternatives to smoking.

    The EU is currently reviewing the Tobacco Products Directive, which regulates the vaping industry with rules on tank size, e-liquid bottle volume and nicotine strength.

    The review is expected to lead to tighter rules on the sale and use of vapes, such as banning some flavours. 

    But World Vapers’ Alliance says the move to restrict vapes, which are known to help smokers quit more dangerous cigarettes, will put lives at risk.

    It says: “Every year, 700,000 lives are needlessly lost in the EU due to smoking-related diseases. As the EU reviews the Tobacco Products Directive, there’s a concerning push to restrict safer nicotine alternatives, further endangering lives. 

    “This isn’t just a petition; it’s a demand for the protection of harm-reduction products, which are vital for public health. Your support is more than valuable - it’s crucial for advocating sensible, life-saving policies.” 

    The petition - ‘Every Life Counts, a European Call for Harm Reduction’ - calls for: 

    • The preservation of flavours: rejecting bans on vaping flavours
    • A firm commitment to tobacco harm reduction: embracing effective strategies
    • Ensuring affordability and variety: supporting access to safer nicotine alternatives for adults

    The petition will be handed to the EU Parliament’s Committee on Petitions (PETI) at the end of the year.

    World Vapers’ Alliance says: “The time to act is NOW. With consumer-friendly nicotine regulations, millions of lives can be saved in Europe. We refuse to give up on them. Everyone deserves the right to choose a healthier life, and that’s what we’re fighting for. But we can’t do it alone.

    “Raise your voice, tell your story to a Member of the European Parliament, and join us in this critical fight. Every life counts, and together, we can make a difference.”

    Sign the petition and share your personal story about beating smoking with policymakers here.

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    FAQs

    Campaigning can be difficult, especially if it's not your full time job, but we're here to make it simpler. In this section, you'll find answers to frequently asked questions about legislative processes, advocacy strategies, and how you can effectively participate in shaping policies.

    What is advocacy and how can I get involved?

    Simply put, advocacy is organising a group of likeminded people who campaign for a change in government policy by talking to the people in power. This can take many forms, from posting on social media, to writing to your local politicians, to arranging meetings with the government or responding to consultations. We help by providing the information and tools you need to do this effectively.

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    Yes! The only reason that harm reduction is still alive and kicking in Europe today is because people like you, with no political or campaigning background, took action to protect the availability of the products they rely on to stay smoke free. We've got lots of articles that talk about when and how this has happened in the past, which we hope will inspire you to get involved and make a difference.

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