Lifestyle Economics

Flavoured vape ban is a backwards step


Commenting on reports that the government plans to ban some flavoured vapes, IEA Head of Lifestyle Economics Christopher Snowdon said:

“Millions of smokers have quit thanks to vaping, and youth smoking rates are exceptionally low. These achievements should not be taken for granted. Excessive meddling in the vape market risks going backwards.

“The measure of good government is not the number of laws it makes but how well it enforces the existing law. Despite the ban on the sale of e-cigarettes to children, teenagers seem to be able to buy them more easily than they can purchase vodka or cigarettes. 

“Rather than tinkering with packaging or restricting flavours, there needs to be a crackdown on retailers selling these products to underage people. Trading Standards should ensure all disposable vapes comply with existing regulations.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

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The mission of the Institute of Economic Affairs is to improve understanding of the fundamental institutions of a free society by analysing and expounding the role of markets in solving economic and social problems. The IEA is a registered educational charity and independent of all political parties.



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