According to a study commissioned by ELFBAR. ELFBAR is calling on the government to reassess the potential consequences of this policy, as a ban on vapes in the UK could lead to 3 million smokers resuming smoking or converting to illegal vapes.
According to Talking Retail on November 6, research commissioned by vape brand Elfbar in May 2024 shows that a ban on single-use vapes in the UK, a ban on retail display taste bans, and standardized unlabeled packaging could have serious consequences.
The survey involved 6,000 adults. The results showed that 58 percent (more than 3 million) of smokers and smokers who were recently quitting via vapes (less than five years after quitting) would be at risk of smoking, smoking, or converting to illegal vapes.
ELFBAR believes that the government must carefully weigh the overwhelming evidence and confirm that vapes are an effective tool and approved method to help smokers overcome nicotine addiction.
ELFBAR said an assessment of the impact of such a measure on national health targets was necessary because the single-use vape ban affected more than 60% of the UK vape market.
Eve Peters, the UK’s director of government affairs, said
- “It is good to see that the Bill contains provisions for a licensing system and a commitment to strengthen enforcement, which shows that the government is communicating and listening to many in the field.”
- “While we recognize and support action to tackle youth vaping, it must be acknowledged that vape brands, including single-use vapes, are a critical aid in helping millions of adult smokers quit.”
- The Department for Environment. Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) impact assessment states that three out of 10 current vape users could resume or return to smoking as a result of the ban. Officials warned that the rise in smoking could cause a significant health response and seriously jeopardize the government’s smoke-free targets. “We therefore urge the government to carefully assess the evidence before considering further restrictions on vapes, particularly on the issue of taste, which is important for adult smokers and has been confirmed by many separate studies.”
