The UK's new generational ban on cigarette purchases and tighter restrictions on e-cigarettes are being called a “historic” decision by both government and health groups. But for consumer activist Martin Cullip, there are serious risks that the new laws will have the opposite effect:
- The black market will of course be bigger than ever. And any measure that limits the ability to vape, makes it harder for smokers to switch to less harmful alternatives," he told Vejpkollen.
Children and young people currently aged 17 and under will be subject to a lifelong ban on buying cigarettes, following the approval of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill by the UK Parliament. At the same time, a tax on e-liquid, on liquids with and without nicotine, will be introduced.
Both the House of Commons and the House of Lords have agreed on the final shape of the legislation, which is described as ”groundbreaking”. The aim is to prevent people born after 1 January 2009 from ever taking up smoking, by making it illegal for shops to sell cigarettes to them - thus creating a ”smoke-free generation”.
Once the law is formally approved, ministers will also have new powers to regulate tobacco, vaping products and other nicotine products, including flavours and packaging.
The bill is part of a broader strategy to reduce, according to the UK government, the health problems caused by smoking - one of the country's leading causes of preventable death, disease and disability.
Criticism from consumers
UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting called the decision ”a historic moment for the nation's health” and emphasised that prevention is better than treatment.
But there has been widespread criticism of the bill, not least from consumer organisations focused on harm reduction.
Martin Cullip, consumer activist, columnist and a prominent voice in the harm reduction debate, questions how effective the ban will be.
- Ministers and public health officials have described the proposal as ”groundbreaking” and ”historic”. At the same time, few seriously believe that the measure will be effectively implemented. Minors are already banned from buying cigarettes, but this does not prevent them from obtaining them. The proposal also risks strengthening the black market, which is already developing as a result of high taxes," he told Vejpkollen.
Young people are already smoking less
At the same time, Mr Cullip warns that the measure could have unintended consequences.
- This law introduces a system where rights and freedoms are permanently different depending on when you were born, while the impact on public health is likely to be limited.
According to official statistics, smoking among young people is already on the decline, he says.
- This trend is largely driven by smokers, including young smokers, switching to smoke-free alternatives - and this is not due to either bans or restrictions.
Banning e-cigarettes?
In addition to the generational ban on cigarette purchases, some parts of the bill have been focussed on stricter regulation of e-cigarettes. A special tax on e-liquids is expected to come into force in October. This means that the price of e-liquid is likely to increase significantly.
Meanwhile, discussions are underway on a total ban on the use of e-cigarettes in public places - that is, not only in pubs but also inside specialised vape shops. This proposal is now out for consultation and has met with strong opposition from consumer organisations.
- Restricting access to and use of less harmful alternatives undermines the ability of smokers to switch. You risk causing more harm than good," says Mr Cullip.
“Swap to Stop” - another line
In parallel to the proposed restrictions, the government continues to promote smoking cessation through initiatives such as “Swap to Stop”, where smokers are offered free e-cigarettes.
The programme has been highlighted as an effective tool for smoking cessation and has received widespread attention, including by Vejpkollen.
- The message is contradictory: while e-cigarettes are being promoted as an aid, far-reaching restrictions on the same products are being discussed," says Cullip.
Media image and concerns for young people
According to Mr Cullip, the debate on e-cigarettes is largely characterised by a negative media image - both in the UK and internationally.
He believes that many politicians have been influenced by alarmist reports, including on the alleged links between e-cigarettes and cancer - despite the fact that several such reports have been strongly criticised by scientists, something that Vejpkollen previously reported on.
- Many people today believe that vaping is as dangerous as smoking, which is not true, according to the accumulated research, says Mr Cullip.
“Don't get to vape for pleasure”
The government has also emphasised that the use of e-cigarettes is less harmful than smoking - but at the same time has expressed strong concerns about young people's use.
- The government believes that e-cigarettes are better than smoking for smokers, and that they should be used to quit smoking. At the same time, it is clear that it does not want to consider e-cigarettes as recreational products. It is clearly not appropriate for someone to vejpar for pleasure," says Martin Cullip, who quit smoking with the help of e-cigarettes almost 15 years ago and now also uses nicotine pouches.
Key consumer groups
Several consumer-driven organisations are now campaigning to inform vejpare that they can influence the parts of the legislation that are still under investigation. Leading the way is the UK New Nicotine Alliance, NNA which encourages e-cigarette users to get involved via the website ”Savevaping”.
According to Mr Cullip, who became involved in the issue when the European Commission tried to ban the products in 2013, the consumer perspective is crucial.
- We have real-life experiences. We are the ones who have quit smoking with the help of e-cigarettes - and in many cases, nicotine pouches. Regardless of what organisations say, there is no getting away from the fact that there are many of us and that politicians have an interest in listening to us.
Today, nearly 5.4 million Britons vejp, and since last year, the number of vejp smokers exceeds the number of smokers (around 4.9 million).
