UK's ban on disposable vapes is 'gift to illegal market'

The World Vapers’ Alliance (WVA) has slammed the Labour Party's proposal to ban disposable vapes, warning that such a misguided policy could undermine public health efforts by hitting the most vulnerable hardest and would prove to be "gift to the illegal market".

In an attempt curb the rise in youth vaping, the UK government announced a ban on disposable vapes in England in January 2024, and the Scottish and Welsh governments have also confirmed they intend to introduce legislation. The ban is expected to be passed into law towards the end of 2024 and implemented by early 2025.

Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers’ Alliance, said, "Sir Keir Starmer’s plan to ban disposable vapes is a direct attack on harm reduction and will hurt the very people Labour claims to protect. By making it harder for smokers to switch to safer alternatives, this policy is a gift to the illegal market. It's disgraceful that a Labour government would push a policy that hits the poor the most, effectively taking away a vital tool that helps them quit smoking."

The proposed ban on disposable vapes could reverse years of progress in reducing smoking rates in the UK. Research from UCL and King's College London warns that such a ban could slow the decline in smoking prevalence, putting the health of 2.6 million people at risk.

"This isn’t just a step backwards; it’s a reckless move that could push current vapers back to smoking or into the illegal market, worsening health inequalities and jeopardising the health of millions", Landl added.

This comes almost a week after British Medical Association called on the government to take bold action, saying vapes have no rightful place in young people’s lives. Children are being targeted with colours, branding and flavours such as bubble gum or candy floss to push a product that can lead to nicotine addiction, said the BMA.

About 8 per cent of 11-17-year-olds vape, according to estimates. Although it was already illegal to sell any vape to anyone under 18, Prof David Strain, who chairs the BMA’s Board of Science, said children still needed more protection.

"There is no denying we are living in a vaping epidemic," he said. "Vape usage has risen hugely in the last decade, with one in 10 adults now vaping. "However, far more worrying, is the increase in young people who vape, with almost six times more 11-17-year-olds vaping now compared with 10 years ago."