The Scottish government recently commissioned a review on vaping, which was prepared by Zero Waste Scotland and Dr Dominic Hogg of Equanimator. The review put forth nine policy options, one of which is a proposed ban on single-use vapes. However, the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has expressed concerns about the potential negative impact of such a ban on public health. They believe that banning single-use vapes could actually lead to an increase in smoking rates.
In a letter to Lorna Slater MSP, Scotland’s minister for green skills, circular economy, and biodiversity, UKVIA director general John Dunne highlighted two major concerns with the review. Firstly, he questioned why the public and the wider vape sector were not given the opportunity to contribute to the review, contradicting government guidance that consultations should be open to all citizens. Secondly, Dunne emphasized that the approach to this report differs from a previous Scottish consultation on vaping product advertising and promotion, which allowed consumers to voice their opinions.
While the UKVIA and the Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA) were allowed to provide submissions to the review, their individual members were not permitted to do so. Dunne expressed his disappointment, suggesting that the review process seemed more like a box-ticking exercise rather than a genuine attempt to engage with the views of the vaping sector and successful vaping quitters.
Dunne also raised concerns about potential biases from lead reviewer Dr Dominic Hogg. He pointed to a LinkedIn post made by Hogg, in which he questioned why single-use ecigs were not being kept off the market. Dunne questioned whether these personal prejudices influenced Hogg’s consideration of the facts in the review.
Politicians need to seriously consider the dangers of prohibitive policies proposed in the review, especially given Scotland’s high smoking prevalence. Dunne stressed that banning disposable vapes could create a thriving black market beyond government control, replacing rigorously tested and regulated products with potentially dangerous alternatives.
Dunne referred to the failures of Australia’s prescription-only vaping policy, which led to an unregulated market that experts warn is more accessible and potent than the regulated one. He urged for a better way forward and invited stakeholders to discuss how the Scottish Government can best support smokers in transitioning to a less harmful alternative while minimizing environmental impact.
In summary, the UKVIA has expressed concerns about the review commissioned by the Scottish government on vaping. They believe that banning single-use vapes could have unintended consequences on public health and potentially drive up smoking rates. Furthermore, they question the lack of public and vaping sector involvement in the review process, suggesting a lack of impartiality. The UKVIA also raises concerns about potential biases of the lead reviewer and emphasizes the need to consider the failures of prohibition policies in other countries. They advocate for a more constructive approach that supports smokers in transitioning to safer alternatives while considering environmental impact.
