Last week, a former minister responsible for the smoking ban introduced in the UK in 2006 called for the same rules to be introduced for vaping.
In an article written for the Enlighten think tank, the non-partisan public policy institute for Scotland first founded in 2008, Lord Jack McConnell (below left) urged the Scottish government to learn from the previous example of the ban and restrict the use of vapes as well.
The smoking ban was introduced by the Labour/Liberal Democrat government under Lord McConnell in 2005, taking effect in 2006.
The Labour politician urged Maree Todd, the new public health minister in Scotland, to consider banning vapes indoors while “strengthening protections for children” and punishing those “exploiting” young people.
“Companies that profit most from increased sales of vapes use exploitative marketing to create a new addiction for this generation…”
Lord McConnell wrote: “Companies that profit most from increased sales of vapes use exploitative marketing to create a new addiction for this generation, just as their predecessors did with smoking.
“Passing a controversial law such as the smoking ban, against well-funded tough opposition, required a great deal of working across party and sector lines.
“That same consensus-building is required again now, and there are positive signs. Nearly all party manifestos recognised some of the dangers associated with vaping, the worrying increase in use amongst young people and the need for restrictions on displays and promotions.
“The new Scottish government… should lead discussions examining the potential of a ban on the use of vapes indoors and strengthening protections for children while punishing those exploiting young users.”
Now, Richard Begg (right), head of learning at development at vape retailer VPZ, has responded: “Protecting young people from nicotine products should remain a priority for government and industry alike, and we support strong enforcement against retailers who break the law.
“However, vaping and smoking are not the same and should not be regulated as though they are. Cigarettes kill up to two thirds of long-term users, whereas vaping products exist primarily as a reduced-risk alternative for adult smokers.
”Calls for indoor vaping bans risk sending the wrong public health message…”
“Calls for indoor vaping bans risk sending the wrong public health message by implying vaping carries the same level of harm as smoking.
“That could have unintended consequences for Scotland’s efforts to reduce smoking rates, particularly among adults who have successfully switched away from combustible tobacco.
“The focus should instead be on balanced, evidence-based regulation that protects children, supports responsible retailing and preserves access to vaping products for the hundreds of thousands of adults across Scotland who rely on them as an alternative to smoking.”
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