Tobacco and Vapes Bill: Retailers urged to give evidence to Commons committee  

Vapers and retailers are being urged to “protect the future of harm reduction” by giving evidence to the parliament as part of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

Campaign group We Vape asked retailers to answer a call for evidence by the House of Commons Public Bill Committee, which is now scrutinising the bill following its second reading last week, explaining the importance of vapes and how the new bill might impact the numbers of people who choose to vape instead of smoke.

They have also encouraged businesses to “spread the word” among consumers about how to respond to government’s request for more data, as it advances the bill.

The appeal follows a planned ban on advertising, which critics fear will prevent vital education of smokers that vapes are significantly safer than cigarettes.

Research shows half of all smokers (50%) incorrectly believe vaping is more or equally as harmful as smoking- an increase of 10 per cent on 2023. Only one third of smokers understand vaping is less harmful than smoking. Further evidence suggest a potential ban on flavours could push 1.5 million vapers back to smoking.

One study – funded by the UK Health Security Agency- also raised fears many vapers will make their own flavoured e-liquid, “which may expose them to toxicants or chemicals that have not been approved for use in vapes.”

“This call to evidence is a rare opportunity for retailers and consumers on the ground to have their say on vaping. We know the potential restriction to flavours will drive many ex smokers back to the death sentence that is cigarettes, while the advertising ban means we cannot educate the staggering 50 per cent of smokers who think vaping is more harmful than smoking,” We Vape founder Mark Oates said.

“Both these elements of the bill already imply vaping is as bad for you as smoking, which is entirely wrong and contrary to the NHS policy of handing out starter packs to adults wanting to quit cigarettes.

“Vape retailers and vapers are best qualified to speak on the tastes and purchase options that draw smokers to vaping and can provide the expert evidence the government needs. It is vital its decisions protect the rights of vapers to choose the flavours that help stop them smoking, as well as allowing smokers to be educated about the health benefits of making the switch.

“While the government can adjust its decisions based on new evidence, a person diagnosed with terminal cancer after being forced back to smoking cannot. That’s why we also encourage businesses to spread the word to their customers about contributing evidence, which will help protect the future of harm reduction.

“If you are a vaper or your business involves vaping, please answer the parliamentary call for evidence on the impact the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will have on you or the people you serve daily.”

The first sitting of the Public Bill Committee to hear evidence is expected to be on 7 January 2025, with a final submission deadline of 30 January. Contributors are strongly advised to submit evidence well in advance of the deadline.

Submissions should be emailed to [email protected]. Further guidance on submitting written evidence can be found here.