April 2024
Evapo, a leading smoking cessation and specialist vaping company, has conducted a survey involving 1,134 participants and found that nearly two thirds of ex-smokers will return to tobacco if the Government restrict vape flavours. The restrictions, proposed earlier this year, are designed to deter children from vaping, but as the research shows, any restrictions on vape flavours could have major unintended consequences and would likely add to the 250 deaths from smoking recorded every day in the UK.
The Government’s view is that fruit and dessert flavours may inadvertently attract children, but the survey revealed that 71% of people over the age of 45 prefer these flavours.
Vaping is well known to be the most effective way for smokers to quit and 75% of those surveyed said they had successfully quit, while a further 18% had cut down. Furthermore, 81% believe that flavour restrictions would negatively impact individuals trying to switch from smoking to vaping.
Andrej Kuttruf, CEO of Evapo, said “We recognize the government’s concerns regarding youth vaping and are committed to responsible practices that protect minors. However, it’s crucial that these proposed measures do not inadvertently hinder adults’ access to safer alternatives to tobacco,” said “Our survey clearly shows that a vast majority of vapers rely on a variety of flavours to remain smoke-free. We urge policymakers to consider these insights as they debate the upcoming Tobacco & Vapes Bill and to incorporate Public Health England’s view that vaping is 95% less harmful than tobacco”.