Smoking is one of the biggest causes of preventable diseases, and according to Smoke-free World, there are currently around 6.9 million adult smokers in the UK.
In recent years, more and more smokers have turned to e-cigarettes in their attempts to quit, and the array of fruity, sweet flavours, along with menthol combinations, have helped millions of long-term cigarette smokers kick the habit for good.
You might have heard that some countries are planning to ban, or have already banned flavoured e-liquids.
Most recently, China has joined a handful of countries – including Lithuania, Ukraine and Hungary – in introducing flavour bans, and others are set to follow.
Will the UK be next? Here’s what you need to know.
What is a flavour ban?
In legal terms, a ban is an official prohibition of something.
Similar to the outlawing of the sale of menthol cigarettes in May 2020, as well as the policies outlined in the Tobacco Control Act, an e-liquid flavour ban would restrict people from legally purchasing certain liquids.
According to a recent report published by Action on Smoking and Health, there are currently 3.6 million e-cigarette users in the UK, 36% of which stated that their main reason for vaping is to help them ditch tobacco cigarettes.
While some tobacco bans have been beneficial, this one could be particularly harmful to ex-smokers who rely on e-cigarettes and an assortment of e-juice flavours to help them quit.
With this in mind, it’s safe to say that this ban would be detrimental, as it would likely deter smokers from trying out healthier alternatives and would be a huge step backwards in helping to reduce smoking rates across the country.
Why are countries banning flavoured e-liquids?
The countries that have enforced or are set to enforce e-liquid flavour bans are concerned that sweet, fruity-flavoured e-liquids are particularly attractive to underaged consumers.
However, evidence has shown that adult smokers are overwhelmingly the target audience for these flavours.
Is a flavour ban likely to happen in the UK?
After the last few years, we know all too well how unpredictable the British government can be, so it’s hard to predict exactly what will happen.
However, considering how far vaping has come in recent years, it’s highly unlikely that we’ll see many changes (or any at all!) that won’t support ex-smokers transitioning to this alternative.
This year, we’ve seen some massive health organisations supporting the use of e-cigarettes, labelling them the best nicotine replacement therapy in helping people to quit smoking. Even the NHS have considered prescribing vape kits to encourage smokers to quit.
With so much support, it doesn’t look as if an e-liquid ban is on the cards for the UK.
Purchase high-quality e-liquids online
If you’re trying to quit smoking, vaping is by far one of the best ways to go about it.
With the selection of e-liquids and e-cigarettes available, it can be difficult to make a decision – especially if you’re new to the vaping world.
If you need assistance or further advice, be sure to get in touch with vaping specialists, like the team over at Cloudstix, who’ll be able to point you in the right direction.
