Vape ban means 1m extra smokers, more crime and illicit trade – IBVTA

The Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA), the leading independent trade association for the UK vaping industry, has this morning released the following statement, responding to reports that the Government may shortly announce possible bans on single-use vapes and flavours.

“Children and those who have not smoked should not be using vapes and the industry is making significant efforts and progress to protect children including launching an industry code of conduct and changes to products, descriptors and flavours,” said IBVTA Chair Marcus Saxton.

“However, introducing bans on single-use vapes and flavours will have hugely damaging consequences, including making it harder for smokers to quit – and will push those that have quit, back into smoking. Big tobacco will be rubbing its hands with glee in anticipation of possible vape bans.

“Further, with an estimated third of the UK vape market comprising illicit products, any ban will simply benefit those pushing illegal and unregulated product as people seek out single-use and flavoured products from illicit sources.

“Research by Cancer Research UK and UCL published in recent days shows the critical role that single use vapes are playing in helping the 6.4 million smokers in the UK to quit and the risks of introducing bans. The vape industry stands ready to work with government to implement a proportionate regulatory regime, but introducing knee-jerk and unevidenced bans is not the solution. It’s simple – bans do not work.”