Government rumoured to be considering ban on sale of single-use vapes

Suggestions that the government might introduce a ban on single-use vapes has attracted warnings of an increased black market and risk to health.

According to The Telegraph, plans to ban the sale of single-use vapes could be announced as early as next week through a Department of Health and Social consultation.

The main reason for the rumoured action is concern over how single-use vapes are overwhelmingly targeted at those aged under 18.

The Scottish government recently announced plans to tackle the sale of single-use vapes with a consultation pending.

Director general of the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) John Dunne cautioned against panicking but said a ban was not the solution. “It’s important to point out that this is about a consultation and that no decisions have been made on the future of disposable vapes.

“We welcome the idea of a consultation on disposables as it’s key that the industry gets the opportunity to highlight the benefits, and therefore continued need, for single use vapes as a smoking cessation method.

“A ban is not the answer. Some 220 people die from smoking every day, 365 days a year. Disposables have proved to be highly effective in helping smokers quit their habits due to their ease of use, accessibility and low entry price points. They are one of the main reasons as to why the number of adult smokers in Great Britain have hit record lows for the last two years according to the Office for National Statistics.”

Dunne said a ban would accelerate the growth of the black market. “There is also overwhelming evidence that vape bans lead to black markets in the sale of such products and increased smoking rates, putting smokers and vapers at significantly more risk of harm across the world.

“The black market already exists in the UK and represents over 50% of the single use market and this would only accelerate with a ban.”

Chris Kelly, CEO of Phoenix 2 Retail, added: ”Regulation is an eventuality we are facing within the category, and it’s vital that we engage with government, regulators and trade bodies on how we support change without impacting our core mission of helping adult smokers switch from combustible cigarettes.

”Advocating licensing, and tougher enforcement for illicit sellers and retailers selling to minors is critical. As the founder of Phoenix 2 Retail and as a member of the UKVIA team, we will support our retailer, suppliers and partners throughout the journey.”

The suggestion of a ban on single-use vapes has attracted criticism from other stakeholders.

Christopher Snowdon, head of lifestyle economics at the free market Institute of Economic Affairs, said: “A ban on disposable vapes will restrict the choices of millions of adult smokers who could benefit from switching to them.

“E-cigarettes are life-saving products that can only legally be sold to people over the age of 18. We do not ban cider because some teenagers drink it. We do not ban 18 certificate films because some teenagers watch them. We don’t ban cigarettes because some teenagers smoke them.

“If these reports are true, the government has mistaken legislating for governing. The answer to underage vaping is to enforce the laws that already exist. There is no reason why children should be able to buy e-cigarettes more easily than they can buy vodka.”

Simon Clark, director of the smokers’ lobby group Forest, also slammed the idea of a ban. “If the Government’s aim is to reduce smoking rates, banning disposable vapes would be a significant own goal,” he said. “Vaping has been a huge success story, with millions of smokers choosing to switch to a product that is far less risky to their health. Part of that success is due to disposable vapes which are convenient and easy to use.

“The answer to the problem of children vaping is not to ban a product many adults use to help them quit smoking, but to crack down on retailers who are breaking the law and selling e-cigarettes to anyone under 18.”