You’ve likely heard the news by now – Rishi Sunak has confirmed upcoming changes to UK vape laws. This means the disposable vape culture that’s exploded in popularity will now face new regulations within the next year. While the government insists they don’t plan an outright ban on vaping, potential changes could still have a huge impact. Some experts argue restricting flavours and product development could backfire and lead to an increase in smoking rates.
Changes to Vaping Laws in the UK
The Prime Minister has announced major changes to vaping regulations in the UK. While an outright ban on vaping is unlikely, the government is considering potential changes to the law.
Disposable vapes are set to be banned following concerns about their popularity with young people. The disposable market has boomed recently, with some shops reporting a nine-fold increase in sales over the last two years.
It’s claimed a ban on disposables would be a big step towards protecting children. However, we believe that the ban is short sighted. After all, children can buy these bars from snack vans, corner shops and even the ice-cream vans. They didn’t ban cigarettes outright when lobbyists were raising concerns about the increase in teen smoking back in the 1990’s.
The best way to combat teenage vaping, is to ban the sale of disposables by anyone other than regulated vape shops. E-cigarettes have helped nearly four million UK smokers kick the habit so far.
Possible Flavour Ban
Flavours and packaging are also set for an overhaul. Certain flavours, like candy and fruit, appeal more to kids so will be restricted. Plainer packaging and moving products out of sight in shops could also make vapes less enticing to young eyes.
It’s our opinion that this type of ban will not work, flavours will simply go under ground, like the illegal trade in “bigbars“. This too won’t help be helping the teen vaping issue, as if your going to ignore one law, why not another, and another. You see the problem here?
The changes are due to come into effect in 2025, but we’ll have to wait and see exactly what form they take.
