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The trade body said these premises were among the fastest to adopt social distancing, online sales, and new safety measures following the previous lockdown.
John Dunne, director general of the UKVIA, said: “I have seen first-hand how UK vaping has risen to every challenge this year, with new safety measures, business practices and routines; every option which allows us to aid consumers is explored. The passion for helping people in this industry is unrelenting, no smoker looking to quit is on their own.
“However, with government help we can do even more, because for many people the support of a face-to-face experience is vital. That is why I have written to Alok Sharma MP and Paul Scully MP at BEIS, as well Jo Churchill MP at the Department of Health and Social Care, to urge the government to reconsider vaping’s status. I have reminded them that more than 200 people die in the UK every day from smoking-related illness, and that harm-reduction alternative need our full support”.
Mark Pawsey, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Vaping, believes that the country’s public health is best served by “keeping vape stores open”.
Pawsey said: “Given it’s vital role in smoking cessation, even when compared to NRT, the case for vaping’s essential status is growing ever stronger.
“Vape retailers do not just provide the tools for harm-reduction, but also the expert advice and support which empowers consumers to make a positive change. Now, more than ever, we should be safeguarding the country’s public health; vaping is an important part of that. Let’s support this sector, and all those who rely on it, by keeping vape stores open.”
