Specialist nicotine retailer, Vape UK, announced today it had undertaken the first survey of those who actually use vapes, and highlighted how certain elements of the prosed upcoming changes to packaging could result in a potentially huge burden on the NHS.
The survey described as “the longest running consumer survey of active vapers,” saw 4,000 people asked for their opinions on everything from packaging changes to the burden on the UK’s health services.
In the results, 55% of respondents said plain packaging would make it harder or riskier to find and buy the light products for them, such as flavours or strengths.
Then, more worryingly, 7% said the plain packaging rules would make them likely to return to smoking.
Unwanted return
Pointing to campaign group ASH’s estimate of there being 5.5m vapers in Great Britain, Vape UK estimated that roughly 385k people could return to cigarettes if the plan went ahead.
Scaling that up, using the University of York’s 2011 smoking cost research, and adjusted for inflation, these ‘returning smokers’ suggest an extra £5.8bn in additional lifetime NHS costs.
Half of those surveyed described themselves as ex-smokers, and half of them said restricted POS materials would make it harder to shop for vape products in stores.
Vape UK argues the findings point to a policy that could do more harm than good. As a retailer serving an exclusively adult customer base of predominantly ex-smokers, the company says it is relaying direct feedback from the group any packaging changes would affect most.
Over half
Chris Page, co-founder, said: “Over half of respondents told us new packaging restrictions would put them at risk of buying the wrong product, and some said it would push them towards other options, including cigarettes.
“Retailers have spent years supporting Government efforts to help people move away from smoking. We’d urge Government to weigh that progress carefully before making changes to packaging requirements.”
Vape UK said it plans two more customer surveys on vaping before the consultation on the scheme comes to a close on 2 October.
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