Vape distributor Phoenix 2 Retail has called on the Government to take a “collaborative approach” ahead of introducing legislation in the sector.
Chris Kelly, founder of Phoenix 2 Retail, says the health benefits of vapes are in danger of being overlooked, despite them helping thousands of people to quit smoking cigarettes every year.
Speaking after the King’s Speech in Parliament announced plans to push through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, he welcomed the Bill’s inclusion in the new Parliamentary session, but called on the Government to include mandatory statutory consultation in its provisions for the bill to ensure the industry can be involved with making amendments.
He said collaboration would help ensure that any further proposals that might be added to the bill do not become so restrictive that they create barriers for smokers who want to switch from combustible cigarettes to vapes.
“As an industry we support any initiative that prevents vapes, especially single-use vapes, being sold to young people, which is why there has been broad support for the bill from our industry,” he says. “However, I hope the Government takes a collaborative approach to the bill by working with us and giving us a say on what else might be included in the Bill, so that we can ensure that subsequent changes do not impact the opportunity to improve people’s lives and health outlook.”
Kelly urged the new government to come at the issue with an open mind. “The last Government treated vapes almost as if they are as harmful as combustible cigarettes and at one point its MPs urged the Prime Minister to ban vape sales completely.
“We understand that there are concerns, but it would be a mistake for this Government to follow suit and reflect that same attitude in its plans for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. This is because vaping is still the Number One public health opportunity when it comes to helping adult smokers come off combustible cigarettes.”
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