The UK Vaping Industry Association is disappointed that no representatives for the sector, nor for the millions of adults who have quit smoking through vaping, were invited to speak at the January 7th committee hearings for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
Some of the measures being considered in this bill could have consequences on the effectiveness of vaping as a quitting tool, potentially blocking smokers from making the switch or sending current adult vapers back to cigarettes or to the black market.
The legitimate industry, which is devoted to helping adult smokers kick the habit and shares the ambition of a smoke free future, as well as the consumers, whose lives have been changed by vaping, should have had a voice in today’s session.
On January 8th – the day following the hearings – the UKVIA is hosting an event in parliament to put forward the industry’s views on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, including the potential for a retail licensing scheme – something we, as an association, have been advocating for years.
Consumers are also invited and encouraged to share how vaping helped them quit as part of our REAL VAPERS campaign, so we can show Government the true impact of vaping as a stop smoking tool: Real Vapers – Real Stories – UKVIA