THE European Commission’s decision to oppose the ban on vaping flavours put forward by the Danish Government is a “victory for both vaping and common sense” according to the UK Vaping Industry Association.
John Dunne, Director General at the UKVIA, said: “We are delighted that the European Commission has opposed the ban on vaping flavours put forward by the Danish government.
“According to the Danish Vapers Association (DADAFO) the proposed ban, which would have only permitted the use of tobacco or menthol flavours, would have affected some 85-90% of adult vapers in Denmark with the potential of driving up to 70,000 Danish ex-smokers back to cigarettes. It also said that the move would have also forced 90% of vape shops to close which would have been an economic travesty.
“Flavours play a hugely important role in encouraging smokers to switch to vaping, a much less harmful product. Crucially, vape flavours provide choices for ex-smokers to ensure they do not relapse.”
“The effect of banning flavoured liquids on deterring adult vapers from using vape products to help them quit or reduce their smoking was acknowledged by Public Health England earlier this year in its annual vaping evidence review. The review also stated that a ban could also push current adult vapers towards illicit products.
“Last year, in response to Donald Trump’s threat to ban flavours in the US, Martin Dockrell, the Tobacco Control Programme Lead at PHE, responded by saying that e-cigarette flavours are an important advantage that vapes have over smoking and play an important part in encouraging smokers to switch. He also remarked that banning them would just likely provoke adult vapers to relapse back to smoking, leading to more adult smoking role models for young people.”