A recent poll found that 20% of UK vapers would go back to smoking if a flavor ban is implemented. Photo credit: Bimbim Sindu, Pexels.
More than a third of UK vapers plan to disregard any new flavor restrictions introduced under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, reports Talking Retail.
Following the first reading of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in Parliament, a poll commissioned by campaign group We Vape found that 35% of a 601-person sample of UK vapers would continue purchasing flavored vapes online, abroad, or through other means if flavors were restricted to just "tobacco," "menthol," and "fruit." With 5.6 million vapers in the UK, this could result in nearly two million people (1.96 million) turning to unregulated products if such restrictions are enforced.
While there is broad support for banning flavor names specifically targeting children, such as candy floss and bubble gum, campaigners cautioned that overly stringent flavor limits could push people back to smoking cigarettes.
The poll also revealed that one in five vapers (20%) would likely return to smoking if a flavors ban is implemented—a figure slightly below the government’s own impact assessment.
When asked about the likelihood of resuming smoking within the next year if vape flavors were restricted, 11.5% said they were “highly likely,” while an additional 10% described it as “quite likely.”
Meanwhile, 4.8% of vapers indicated they would resort to making their own e-liquids to bypass restrictions and offset the recent e-liquid tax increase of £2.20 per 10ml.
We Vape founder Mark Oates said, “This government must understand smoking is most prevalent in low-income households and communities. Keir Starmer has already announced the vape liquid tax will be increased, almost quadrupling its price, which lessens the appeal of making the switch from smoking.
“Our research now shows some people feel so strongly about further restrictions they would consider making their own vapes.
“Removing a product does not remove its demand and with so many people prepared to use illicit products, the government must protect crucial flavors or face the uphill struggle of trying to uphold laws that are impossible to enforce.”