Crowdfunding launched to challenge government on disposable vape ban

The Vape Protection Alliance (VPA) has initiated a crowdfunding to legally challenge UK government over its decision to ban dispose vapes.

 VPA is attempting to raise £15,000 for a King’s Counsel Barrister (KC) to provide expert legal advice and direction on the best course of action to challenge the government’s proposed vape restrictions.

VPA is said to be a group of forward-thinking businesses that have committed to supporting this action in phases, the first phase is to raise £15,000 for a King’s Counsel Barrister (KC) to provide expert legal advice and direction on the best course of action to challenge the Government appropriately.

Robert Sidebottom, managing director of Arcus Compliance Ltd who also heads VPA says, “We will be challenging the government on their lack of evidence, failure to directly consult with the industry, failure to enforce on the existing regulations, the threat and impact on legitimate vape businesses in terms of their collective right to run their businesses without interference and the clear and present danger to the health of former smokers by further restricting access to these life changing products particularly with regards to access to a broad range of flavours.”

We need to raise c.£75,000 should we also proceed to phase 2, which is permission to proceed by the courts.

It has so far raised over £12,000 on Crowd Justice with 29 days to go.

“The recent announcement by the UK Conservative government, aimed at creating a smoke-free generation and curbing youth vaping, has left the UK Vape Industry in a state of uncertainty.

“The absence of clear timelines and a coherent plan raises concerns. The premise of protecting children is based on data showing increased youth access to vape products.

“However, the proposed ban on disposable vapes and additional restrictions such as limiting flavours overlooks the significant consequences. This oversight endangers hundreds of legitimate businesses and perpetuates the misconception that vaping is equally harmful as smoking,” says Sidebottom. 

One of the contributors commented, “The proposals would decimate the industry and result in an increase in the smoking rate. The proposals are completely the wrong way to tackle the issues. Enforcement and border controls are required to stop the import and sales of illegal vapes. This along with licensing for legitimate vape shops.”