The government’s well-intentioned ban on single-use vapes is backfiring. It is driving smokers back to cigarettes and giving rogue traders free rein. Retailers and policymakers must step up.
The Grocer’s own research has confirmed our fears that vapers are both drifting back to cigarettes and sourcing illicit vape supplies in the wake of the single-use vapes ban. I was horrified to read that 7.8% of respondents (and a staggering 12.8% of over-65s) are smoking more due to the ban, because this can only lead to more serious illnesses and deaths.
I have lost count of the number of media interviews I have given over the years warning of the unintended consequences of ill-judged legislation, such as blanket bans which provide a huge boost to rogue retailers and black-market opportunists.
Black market vapes
I am not surprised that respondents spoke of how easy it was to get illicit products from irregular markets by ‘asking the right people’ or from shady characters in the pub.
When ministers first consulted on the ban, the UK Vaping Industry Association warned that without a clear transition plan, a public information drive and strong enforcement, the legislation could backfire.
Now, just three months into the ban, we are seeing this in action as the country has a thriving black market and adults are relapsing into smoking.
Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in Britain. More smoking means more cancer, heart disease and respiratory illness. It piles pressure on the NHS, undermines the Tobacco and Vapes Bill and further jeopardises the government’s Smokefree 2030 ambition, which Cancer Research UK estimated is at least nine years behind schedule.
The solution, not the problem
The government must take urgent steps to repair the damage, including:
- A national campaign to show smokers that reusable vapes are safer, legal and cost-effective alternatives to cigarettes
- Backing responsible retailers and the regulated industry by only imposing proportionate, evidence-based regulations so adult vapers can access trusted products
- Cracking down on sales of illegal and illicit products by targeting rogue traders who sell to under-18s and continue to sell disposables or other non-regulated vapes.
Retail has a big role to play too. Staff training should empower frontline teams to explain the relative risks of smoking versus vaping. Supermarkets and convenience stores should steer smokers and vapers towards compliant, reusable products, which would also help position retail as part of the solution, not the problem.
The intention behind the ban may have been good, but without urgent corrective action, it risks pushing adults back to cigarettes, fuelling illicit sales, rewarding irresponsible traders and punishing responsible ones. We cannot allow responsible traders to take the hit while the black market flourishes.
A smarter approach is still possible, but the government must act swiftly before this ban becomes a public health own goal.
John Dunne, director general at UK Vaping Industry Association
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