The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) recently conducted a poll that reveals nearly four in ten vapers want tougher punishment for retailers selling vapes to minors, rather than an outright ban on flavours. Although 27% agree there is a real need to tackle youth vaping, one in three vapers fear that banning flavoured devices and liquids will lead them back to cigarettes.
The survey also found that 76% of vapers only started to quit smoking by using vapes, and 83% of them claim that flavoured vapes help them quit their smoking habits. This reliance on vapes to help smokers quit has made flavours an essential element for smokers to give up smoking.
According to the director general of UKVIA, John Dunne, a ban on flavours could have a negative impact on those who are attempting to quit smoking. The most popular flavours amongst adult vapers are the ones that the government is looking to consider banning, including strawberry, blueberry, watermelon, cherry, raspberry, lychee, Earl Grey and even a Bloody Mary.
This poll indicates that nearly 1.5 million current vapers across the UK could return to conventional cigarettes if the government implements a ban on flavoured vapes. This would be a significant step backward for the nation’s health and well-being.
Proposals presented by the UKVIA to the government to address youth vaping include retailers facing fines of up to £10,000 per instance if they are caught selling to minors, a new national registration scheme for retailers, and the introduction of the first-ever national test purchasing scheme to monitor retailers constantly for sales to minors on an ongoing basis.
It is important to offer those who are trying to quit smoking the appropriate advice, including flavours, to support them during the process. Going cold turkey is not an option for many, and flavoured vapes are having success in helping to reduce, and ultimately cut out, their reliance on cigarettes.
In conclusion, a ban on flavoured vapes could have a negative impact on smokers attempting to quit smoking, and it could lead to an increase in the number of people who return to conventional cigarettes. Tougher punishment for retailers selling vapes to minors should be the priority of the government.
Popular Flavours Among Adult Vapers
The research also revealed the most popular flavours amongst adult vapers were the very ones that the government is looking to consider banning. While strawberry is the nation’s favourite overall, other fruity flavours dominate the top five – including blueberry, watermelon, cherry and raspberry. Many also cited some more unusual preferences like lychee, Earl Grey and even a Bloody Mary.
The Role of Flavours in Smoking Cessation
According to the director general of UKVIA, John Dunne, a ban on flavours could have a negative impact on those who are attempting to quit smoking. The survey found that 76% of vapers only started to quit smoking by using vapes, and 83% of them claim that flavoured vapes help them quit their smoking habits.
Concerns of Adult Vapers
The survey has shown many adult vapers are concerned about what they are hearing from the Government. The poll indicates that nearly 1.5 million current vapers across the UK could return to conventional cigarettes if the government implements a ban on flavoured vapes.
Proposals to Address Youth Vaping
Proposals presented by the UKVIA to the government to address youth vaping include retailers facing fines of up to £10,000 per instance if they are caught selling to minors, a new national registration scheme for retailers, and the introduction of the first-ever national test purchasing scheme to monitor retailers constantly for sales to minors on an ongoing basis.
Importance of Appropriate Advice
Going cold turkey is not an option for many smokers, and flavoured vapes have shown success in helping to reduce and ultimately cut out their reliance on cigarettes. Therefore, it is essential to offer appropriate advice, including flavours, to support smokers during the process.
Fear of Going Back to Smoking
One in three vapers fears that banning flavoured devices and liquids will lead them back to cigarettes, and it is a valid concern. A ban on flavoured vapes could have a negative impact on smokers attempting to quit smoking, and it could lead to an increase in the number of people who return to conventional cigarettes.
Tougher Punishment for Retailers Selling to Minors
According to the poll, nearly four in ten vapers want tougher punishment for retailers selling vapes to minors, rather than an outright ban on flavours. The proposals presented by the UKVIA to the government to address youth vaping include the introduction of fines of up to £10,000 per instance for retailers caught selling to minors, a new national registration scheme for retailers, and the introduction of the first-ever national test purchasing scheme to monitor retailers constantly for sales to minors on an ongoing basis.
The Need for Advice on Best Flavours
The survey also found that 65% of quitters turned to tobacco and menthol flavourings, although 65% didn’t receive any advice on the best flavours to help them on their quest to give up smoking. The poll showed that 83% think having this guidance would be an important part of the quitting journey.
