MPs urge caution on possible flavoured vapes ban

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Responsible Vaping said today it was vital the government takes a comprehensive evidence-based approach to vaping regulation.

This was of particular importance as the government is already moving forward with regulations to ban single-use vapes. “To be proposing further regulation prior to this significant action is of concern and risks potential unintended consequences,” the group said in a statement.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will provide powers to restrict the flavours, point of display and packaging of vaping and other nicotine products.

Its second reading is due to take place in the House of Commons on 16 April.

“There are evidence-based concerns, particularly around the potential restriction of flavours, that could undermine vaping as an effective cessation tool and inadvertently lead to an increase in smoking,” the APPG said.

It wants the government to take into consideration that restricting vape flavours “may make vaping less enjoyable for many people, which could in turn increase cigarette cravings and make specific groups of people more vulnerable to relapse to smoking.”

The APPG for Responsible Vaping said it expects the Department for Health and Social Care to produce further assessments of the impacts of the vaping policies, and a comprehensive statutory consultation period, ahead of the introduction of any related secondary legislation.

APPG chair Gareth Johnson MP said: “The APPG for Responsible Vaping has serious concerns about the vaping portions of the Bill, questions about the evidence it is based upon and also the unintended consequences that it may inadvertently drive more people towards smoking.

“The potential adoption of stricter options on flavours risks undermining public health goals, endangering progress towards a smoke-free future.

“We look forward to working with Government to ensure that vaping policies, specifically around flavours, packaging, point of sale, do not risk the positive role that vaping has and must continue to play for adult smokers.”

The APPG is backed by the Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA), which runs its administration and pays for a lobby group to provide further support.

Its stated aim is “to act as a focal point for vaping issues with a clear focus on sector responsibility in addressing key issues, demonstrate the positive benefits in support of smoking cessation and support an evidence-based approach to vaping regulation”.

The IBVTA represents the UK’s leading vape manufacturers.