Vape brands around the world are urging authorities to adopt a more progressive approach to vaping regulation in light of World No Tobacco Day, observed on May 31st. This global initiative presents a valuable opportunity to help adult smokers quit tobacco by recognizing the potential of e-cigarettes as a less harmful alternative. In the United Kingdom, where over three million people have already embraced vaping, Public Health England's findings stating that e-cigarettes are 95% less harmful have fueled the growing interest in this alternative.

Vaping Restrictions and Calls for Change

While vaping has gained popularity in the UK, many countries still have strict regulations or even bans in place. Nations like Thailand, Vietnam, Brazil, and Egypt currently prohibit vaping, and countries such as India, Japan, Norway, and Australia have implemented restrictions. In light of these limitations, Fontem Ventures, the owner of the vapour brand blu, is appealing to the World Health Organisation (WHO) responsible for the World No Tobacco Day campaign. They aim to raise awareness about the mounting evidence supporting vaping's potential to significantly contribute to tobacco harm reduction.

Dr. Nveed Chaudhary, the scientific & regulatory affairs senior manager at Imperial Brands, the parent company of Fontem Ventures, highlights that over half of the world's population lives in countries where vaping is either banned or operates in a regulatory gray area. They believe that the WHO has an essential role to play in recognizing the scientific foundation of tobacco harm reduction and the possible health benefits for millions of smokers seeking alternatives to combustible tobacco.

Impact of Vaping in the United States

In contrast to countries with restrictions, the United States has embraced vaping as a viable alternative for smokers. The availability of vaping products and the recognition of their potential benefits have led to a significant decrease in smoking rates. The data supports the notion that vaping can be an effective tool in the fight against tobacco addiction.

World No Tobacco Day: An Opportunity for UK Convenience Retailers

The World No Tobacco Day campaign in 2019 holds great potential for UK convenience retailers to boost their vape sales. Retailers have played a critical role in the widespread availability of e-cigarettes, and this occasion provides an excellent opportunity to further raise awareness of these products. The emergence of new and innovative reduced-risk options like e-cigarettes represents one of the most exciting success stories in the United Kingdom in recent years. Collaboration between vape manufacturers, retailers, and governmental tobacco cessation programs can maximize the public health benefits that these products offer.

FAQs

1. Why are vape manufacturers calling for a more progressive approach to vaping regulation?

Vape manufacturers believe that e-cigarettes present a potentially less harmful alternative to smoking. They urge authorities to recognize the evidence supporting this and adopt a more progressive approach to vaping regulation, especially during World No Tobacco Day, to help more adult smokers quit tobacco.

2. Which countries currently have vaping bans or restrictions?

Vaping is currently banned in countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Brazil, and Egypt. Additionally, countries like India, Japan, Norway, and Australia have implemented restrictions on vaping.

3. What is Fontem Ventures' appeal to the World Health Organisation (WHO)?

Fontem Ventures, the owner of blu, is calling on the WHO to recognize the growing evidence that vaping can significantly contribute to tobacco harm reduction. They aim to raise awareness and advocate for new options that can help smokers switch away from combustible tobacco.

4. How has vaping impacted smoking rates in the United States?

In the United States, where vaping is recognized as an alternative for smokers, data shows a rapid decline in smoking rates. Vaping products are widely available, and their accessibility has contributed to this positive trend.

5. How can World No Tobacco Day benefit UK convenience retailers?

World No Tobacco Day provides an excellent opportunity for UK convenience retailers to grow their vape sales. Retailers have played a crucial role in making e-cigarettes widely available, and this occasion can further raise awareness about these products, contributing to public health efforts.