Campaign group We Vape is urging retailers and consumers to respond to the UK Government’s consultation on plans that would effectively ban testing vape products in store.
Under the proposals included in the Tobacco & Vapes Bill, vaping would be treated in much the same way as smoking in most indoor public places and workplaces.
This would include specialist shops, meaning adult smokers looking to switch could no longer try flavours or devices before they buy.
Campaigners say this risks turning a carefully supported quit attempt into a blind purchase, and puts many smokers off switching altogether.
We Vape founder Mark Oates (left) said: “Vape shops are on the frontline of helping smokers quit, so if you stop adults from testing devices in store, you make it harder for them to find the right product, first time. This leads to blind purchases that reduce their chances of successfully making the switch.
“We should be making this process easier, not harder, and if this policy stops even one person from moving from smoking to vaping, then it is a terrible idea.
“Ministers say they want to create a smoke-free generation. But that goal is completely undermined if we strip away the very tools that help smokers quit. Vape shops know their customers, they know what works on the ground, and their voices must be heard before these rules are set in stone. This consultation is open to everyone, from vape shop owners to individual customers, and everyone who cares about vapers’ rights should engage.”
The same restrictions on vaping would apply to heated tobacco products, another smoke-free alternative used by those who cannot or do not wish to vape. Campaigners warn that restricting these products in the same way as cigarettes risks discouraging smokers from moving to lower-risk options.
However, under the current framework, specialist cigar shops are exempt from indoor smoking restrictions where sampling forms part of the retail experience.
We Vape says it would be inconsistent if cigar sampling remains permitted while vape and heated tobacco shops are prevented from allowing adults to test smoke-free alternatives designed to replace cigarettes.
On both issues, Oates added: “These policies don’t just affect vaping. Heated tobacco products are also used by smokers looking to reduce the harms of smoking, and treating them exactly the same as cigarettes risks slowing progress on smoking rates.
“It would also be extraordinary if cigar lounges can still allow customers to sample combustible tobacco, but specialist vape and heated tobacco shops cannot allow adults to try smoke-free alternatives designed to replace cigarettes.”
The UK now has more vapers (5.4m) than smokers (4.9m), and of all domestic vapers, 55% of these are ex-smokers.
The Tobacco & Vapes Bill advanced strongly through the first day of Report stage in the House of Lords on 24 February, where amendments to dilute the generational smoking ban were rejected.
You can respond to the consultation here.
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