Tag: UK

Campaigners Slam Threat to Ban U.K. Cigarette Sales

Photo: Taco Tuinstra
Campaigners have slammed the suggestion that a future Labour government could ban the sale of cigarettes to eradicate smoking by 2030.
Speaking to the BBC, shadow health secretary Wes Streeting said Labour would consult on banning the sale of cigarettes.
Simon Clark, director of the smokers’ rights group Forest, condemned the idea.
“The health risks of smoking are well known but it’s a legitimate habit that millions of adults enjoy,” he said. “Banning the sale of cigarettes to future generations won’t stop people smoking. It would merely drive the sale of tobacco underground and into the hands of criminal gangs.”
Unlike countries such as the U.S., regulators in the U.K. have embraced using vaping products to curb tobacco use and the strategy has been effective.
Clark pointed out that current U.K. smoking rates are the lowest on record and an increasing number of smokers are switching voluntarily to reduced risk products like e-cigarettes without government intervention.
“Given all the problems facing the NHS [National Health Service] and the country at large, it’s laughable to think that tackling smoking might be considered a priority for a future Labour government,” said Clark.
During the BBC interview, Wes Streeting said more radical options were needed as the U.K. was set to miss its target of being “smoke-free” by 2030
“One of the things that was recommended to the government in one of their own reviews was phasing out the sale of cigarettes altogether over time. We will be consulting on that and a whole range of other measures,” said Streeting.
Streeting said he would pay close attention to the results of a recently announced law in New Zealand that makes it illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 2009.
Under the new rules, which take effect this year, the country’s smoking age of 18 would be raised year by year until it applied to the whole population. Beginning in 2023, those under 15 would be barred from buying cigarettes for the rest of their lives.
“I am genuinely curious,” he said. “If we are going to get the NHS back on track, we need to focus on public health.
Streeting’s comments follow a review ordered by Sajid Javid when he was health secretary which listed 15 measures to give the U.K. its “best chance” of hitting a national target of making the UK smoke-free by 2030.
January 9, 2023
Report: Price a Major Factor for 2023 Vape Sales

Credit: Jet City Image
A new Philip Morris Limited (PML) funded study has found that UK retailers can expect “affordability” to be the deciding factor for adult smokers trying to make the switch to vaping products in 2023.
In its third consecutive year of running the survey for PML, KAM Media asked 250 UK convenience stores what factors they believe will be important for adult smokers switching to smoke-free alternatives at the start of the new year and throughout 2023, according to Better Retailing.
When asked what customers will look for when choosing a smoke-free alternative, retailers prioritized price with over half (57 percent) agreeing that customers would select the cheapest products available, followed by those products offering the best overall value for money (18 percent).
Smoke-free alternatives that offered the widest taste range available (10 percent) and those offering convenience and ease (5 percent) ranked third and fourth, respectively.
Asked what may prevent smokers from choosing a smoke-free product this year, price again was a factor with six in 10 retailers concerned that alternatives may be too expensive.
Additionally, 56 percent said that they stock heat-not-burn products.
Kate O’Dowd, head of commercial planning at PML in the UK and Ireland, said that the average price of combustible cigarettes now £12.73 per pack and data shows that retailers are stocking a range of smoke-free alternatives that are affordable.
“2023 will be the year of the multi-category, whereby retailers should offer affordable smoke-free choices that don’t compromise on taste, quality, or satisfaction for the user,” she said.
January 3, 2023
Upscale U.K. Grocer Ends Sales of Single-Use Vapes
Credit: Cerib
The upscale U.K.-based grocer Waitrose has halted sales of single-use vaping products due to the impact on the environment and the “health of young people.”
Two types of single-use e-cigarettes have now been removed from sale as a result, Waitrose said.
Waitrose said it has de-listed vaping products containing lithium, which it has historically sold under the Ten Motives label, according to the Daily Mail.
Waitrose commercial director Charlotte Di Cello said the company is “driven by doing the right thing,” and selling single-use vapes is not something Waitrose could justify given the impact on “the environment and the health of young people.”
“We had already decided it wasn’t right to stock the fashionable bright-colored devices, which are seeing rapid growth – so this decision is the final jigsaw piece in our clear decision not to be part of the single-use vaping market,” she said.
January 1, 2023
Happy Vibes’ Twist Offers Four Flavors in One Device

UK-based Happy Vibes has introduced a unique new vaping product called “Twist.” It’s the first vaping device to offer users four flavor choices within a single disposable device.
Vapers just need to “twist” the top of the device to switch between the flavors. “It’s a novel concept – use a single flavor or multiple flavors in the same device,” a press release states. “No need for tools, no need to pour and make a mess – it’s twist and go! It’s easy and convenient to use, allowing vapers to enjoy their device without the pain of having to open the device and fill up a tank.”
Happy Vibes also offers a unique recycling program for its disposable devices, the company states, adding that its recycling program uses the slogan “the end is just the beginning.” No other details were offered about the recycling program.
Happy Vibes will follow up the launch of Twist with another device that is a “step in the right direction” with the launch of their “Reuse” product, a vaping device made from straw and biodegradable plastic, as well as an included Type C charging port, the release states.
December 8, 2022
Elfbar Brings Back the ‘Cigalike’ Disposable Vape
The classic cigalike vape stick is back. Elfbar launched its version of the iconic vape device last month in the UK after it was approved by the sovereign state’s Medicines Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The Elfbar Cigalike provides vapers with an estimated 400 puffs, and is designed for heavy smokers looking to quit combustible cigarettes.
“According to the NHS, vaping is one of the best ways to quit smoking,” Victor Xiao, chief executive of Elfbar, said. “Brands and the retail sector have an important role to play in getting this message out there to adult smokers by working closer together.”
A cigalike pen more closely replicates the feel and look of a traditional cigarette. The devices fell out of favor as pod-style devices took over the market during the past few years, according to Better Retailing.
The disposable Elfbar Cigalike pen features a compact design with a diameter of 9mm.
The product also includes an upgraded coil, and is described as a “modern version of the original cigalike vapes with more power, longer lasting battery, and improved taste due to the nic salts and better coils,” according to Better Retailing. The range comes in 20 flavor varieties.
November 14, 2022
Supreme’s Growth Driven by Vapor Product Sales

Credit: 88Vape
The UK-based wholesale vaping product distributor and manufacturer Supreme stated in a press release Thursday that trading in the current financial year remained in line with the company’s market expectations.
The AIM-traded firm, which was holding its annual general meeting, stated that it delivered a strong performance for the year ended March 31, underpinned by organic growth across its leading divisions, as well as acquiring complementary businesses.
Paul McDonald, chairman of Supreme, stated the company had continued to develop an “extensive network” of customers across the retail space, and was “delighted” with the progress made in increasing its retail penetration, alongside the positive impact of recent brand and product launches.
“Trading for the current financial year remains in line with market expectations, with the business well-placed to deliver on our strategic aspirations, supported by the recent acquisitions of vaping business Liberty Flights and the purchase of trade and assets of Cuts Ice and Flavour Core,” McDonald stated.
“Our fast-growing vaping category continues to underpin the group’s growth.”
Alongside the strong performance of Supreme’s 88vape brand, including new customer wins across grocery and convenience retail, McDonald stated that the company is committed to evolving its vaping segment as evidenced with the recent acquisitions of Liberty Flights in June, and Cuts Ice and Flavour Core in August.
McDonald said the two transactions were “highly complementary and immediately earnings enhancing,” and would deliver scale to the group, adding that the company was “well-placed” to help mitigate the impact of inflation on consumers.
“Looking ahead, we continue to explore additional merger and acquisition opportunities to complement the group’s organic growth, and the board remains confident in Supreme’s strategic ambitions, underpinned by the exciting prospects within vaping,” he stated.
September 17, 2022
Record Levels of Vaping Reported in Great Britain

Credit: IR Stone
A new report from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) has found that vaping has reached record levels in Great Britain with an estimated 4.3 million people being active vapers.
The data, shared exclusively with the PA news agency, suggests that 8.3 percent of adults in England, Wales and Scotland vape, according to the Glasgow Evening Times.
Ten years ago the number was 1.7 percent (an estimated 800,000 people).
ASH stated that a “vaping revolution” has taken place over the last decade. Of the 4.3 million current vapers, around 2.4 million are ex-smokers, 1.5 million are current smokers and 350,000 have never smoked a cigarette, according to the report.
The figures also show that the proportion of current e-cigarette users who have never smoked has increased from 4.9 percent last year to 8.1 percent this year. In 2022, 35 percent of current vapers also smoked, according to the report.
The report, based on a YouGov survey of more than 13,000 adults from across Great Britain, found that 28 percent of current smokers had never tried an e-cigarette, with 10 percent of this group saying they were “concerned e-cigarettes are not safe enough.”
A third of adults said they believe that vaping is more, or equally as harmful, as smoking. One in five former smokers said they used a vape to help them quit. However, more than half (56 percent) of current vapers who are ex-smokers said they had been vaping for more than three years.
Vapers reported that the main reason they used e-cigarettes were for quitting smoking, to prevent them from returning to smoking and 14 percent said they used vapes “because they enjoy it.”
Most vapers reported using refillable tank systems but the report points to a rise in disposable e-cigarettes – up from 2.3 percent of vapers using these in 2021 to 15 percent this year. The authors suggested that younger adults are driving the increase in the disposable vapes, with 48 percent of 18 to 24-year-old vapers use a disposable device.
“Over the last decade we’ve seen a vaping revolution take hold,” said Hazel Cheeseman, deputy chief executive of ASH. “There are now five times as many vapers as there were in 2012, with millions having used them as part of a quit attempt.
“However, they haven’t worked for everyone. Just under half of smokers who have tried them have stopped using them and 28 percent have never tried one at all. Government has said that a ‘vaping revolution’ will help them meet their ambition for a smoke-free country by 2030 but it won’t be enough – we need a comprehensive plan that will help all smokers.”
Earlier this year a separate report from ASH concluded that the proportion of children vaping is on the rise, with many being influenced by social media sites such as TikTok. While it is illegal to sell vapes to under-18s, the proportion of children aged 11 to 17 currently vaping has jumped from 4 percent in 2020 to 7 percent in 2022.
Ash started its annual survey, Smokefree GB, in 2010.
August 29, 2022
Fantastic Forum: UKVIA Vape Event Starts Sept. 9

The headline sponsor of the UK Vaping Industry Association’s (UKVIA) Vaping Industry Forum and the Vaping Celebration and Awards dinner after the conference has been announced as VPZ, a UK-based independent vape retailer and manufacturer.
The UKVIA organizes both events. VPZ, one of the founding members the UKVIA, is the UK’s largest vaping specialist with over 150 stores throughout the country.
Last year VPZ introduced a national vape clinic service and is now taking this on the road throughout the UK to help more people start their stop smoking journey.
Other sponsors currently include FEELM, the flagship tech brand belonging to SMOORE and the world’s leading closed vape system solution provider; Geek Bar, the leading disposable vape manufacturer in the UK and 1account, an age and identity verification service provider used by some 40 percent of the UK’s online vape retailers, according to a press release.
Official event and media partners of the event include World Vape Show and ECigIntelligence, Vapouround, Vapour magazine, Planet of the Vapes, Vape Business and Vapor Voice.
The UKVIA forum, which is being held at the QEII Centre in Westminster on Friday, Sept. 9th, will cover many of the current dominant issues in the vaping industry, including the regulatory landscape, compliance and enforcement, youth access prevention and the sustainability of the vaping industry.
The findings of the industry’s first ever economic impact report, commissioned by the UKVIA, will also be unveiled at the forum by Owen Good, head of economic advisory at the Centre for Economics and Business Research.
John Dunne
“We are expecting a record turnout as the forum comes at a key time for the industry, in between a government-commissioned independent review by Javed Khan, which highlighted that vaping has a pivotal role to play in making smoking obsolete; and the delivery of a new Tobacco Control Plan which is an opportunity for the government to positively review the vaping regulatory landscape post-Brexit,” said John Dunne, director general for the UKVIA.
The event will also feature an exhibition alongside the conference and an evening dinner where a number of industry recognition awards will be handed out to individuals and organizations that have done the most to promote and progress the vaping sector.
Headline sponsor for the awards dinner is VPZ and the entertainment sponsor is Alternative Nicotine Delivery Solutions (ANDS).
August 25, 2022
UK Vape Retailer VPZ Announces Expansion Goals

The UK’s largest vaping retailer VPZ has announced its intent to open 10 additional stores by the end of the year.
It comes as the business called for the UK Government to introduce tighter controls and licensing for selling vaping products.
The business will increase its portfolio to 160 locations across England and Scotland, including stores in London and Glasgow, according to a press release.
VPZ made the announcement as it takes its mobile vape clinic on the road throughout the country.
It comes as Government ministers continue to promote vaping, with Public Health England claiming e-cigarettes carry a “fraction of the risk of smoking”.
However, last month research indicated a steep rise in underage vaping over the last five years, according to Action on Smoking and Health.
Doug Mutter, director of VPZ, said that VPZ is spearheading the fight against the nation’s No. 1 killer – smoking.
“Our plans to open 10 new stores and the launch of our mobile vape clinic responds 100 percent to our ambition to engage with more smokers throughout the country and help them take the first steps on their quit journey.”
Mutter added that the e-cigarette sector could be improved, calling for greater scrutiny of those selling products,
“At the moment we have a challenge in the industry where imported, many unregulated, disposable vaping products are readily available from local convenience stores, supermarkets and several other general retailers with no age verification control or regulation in many of these,” said Mutter.
“We are urging the UK Government to act now and follow best practice from countries like New Zealand, where flavoured products can only be sold from specialist licensed vaping stores, where a challenge 25 policy is in place and consultation is aimed towards adult smokers and vapers.
“VPZ is also in favor of substantial fines for those who breach the rules.”
August 22, 2022
Study: E-Cigs on NHS Could Help 40% of Smokers Quit

Credit: Andriano_cz
Handing out e-cigarettes on the National Health System (NHS) in the UK can help even ‘hardened’ cigarette smokers quit, researchers say.
A recent study saw more than 300 traditional smokers given £25 vape shop vouchers, as well as support from the health service’s stop smoking service.
Within one month, four in 10 of those who used the coupons said they had turned their back on cigarettes for good.
Despite the quit rate falling to 15 percent by three months, the researchers said it was still a ‘big success’.
The pilot scheme has been expanded to around 750,000 adults in Norfolk.
But the University of East Anglia team say early results are so good that it should be rolled out nationally.
They want GPs to be able to prescribe e-cigarettes to patients struggling to kick their habits.
August 20, 2022