Tobacco and Vape Bill: 1 in 10 vapers will use the black market should the bill be passed today

Rishi Sunak is facing tensions as a number of Conservative MPs vote on one of his key policies from the party conference last year.

The Tobacco and Vape Bill is having it’s second reading today, with several MP’s, such as Liz Truss, expected to oppose it.

In light of this, new findings from one of the UK’s largest vaping suppliers, Vape Superstore, has revealed how vapers feel about the potential upcoming ban.

• 70% of vapers disagree with the government’s ban on disposable vapes, whilst just 17% agree
• 81% of vapers used disposables as a means to quit smoking, whilst 19% used another method
• 94% of vapers currently use disposables, either as their go-to device or as a back-up option

When the disposable ban comes into place…

• 25% will stock up on disposables beforehand
• 14% will switch back to cigarettes
• 7% will look to the black market for disposables

As well as targeting disposable vapes, the government is also cracking down on e-liquid flavours due to fears that they encourage youth vapers. However, according to e-cigarette users:

• 70% said as an adult they should have the right to choose
• 41% said having multiple flavour options played an important role in helping them quit smoking
• 27% are worried they’ll switch back to smoking if flavour options are limited
• 9% said they will try to get their chosen flavours on the black market instead

In light of the government claiming vapes are marketed towards children in terms of their branding, e-cigarette users say:

• 74% said the focus should be on stopping retailers selling to children, not on branding
• 22% said vaping products should be promoted to smokers, not hidden, to encourage them to switch

Commenting on the findings, David Phillips from Vape Superstore said:

“At Vape Superstore we are committed to providing a range of high-quality vaping and nicotine replacement therapies that help smokers make the switch. The recent survey of our customer base highlights the importance that variety plays in supporting vapers on their journey away from tobacco products. It’s alarming to see that whilst 81% of vapers use disposables as a means to quit smoking, 14% will revert to smoking again and 7% will turn to the black market to continue using disposable vapes. With 1 in 4 stating they will stock-pile disposable vapes once the ban is actioned, it seems the ban will only create a larger problem, further emphasising how crucial it is to have a wide range of options available for people who wish to quit smoking.”

“Our growth as a business underscores the success of vaping and the desire of smokers to live a healthier lifestyle. Vape Superstore is committed to responsible vaping and we actively employ independent age verification for online sales and ‘Challenge 25’ in our stores. We are dedicated to being part of the solution and work diligently to keep vaping products out of the hands of children, whilst providing adult smokers with every option for success.”

Do let me know if you need any further information or stats that could help to run this story. Alternatively, more information can be found in Vape Superstore’s blog.

Credit the Vape Superstore website for supplying the above findings