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March 18, 2024 by independent.ie

More than 75pc of vapers say a ban of flavouring could lead to more young people smoking, with one in five ex-smokers saying they would also pick the habit back up if flavours were banned. It has been an offence to sell a nicotine-inhaling product to someone under the age of 18 since December, with Government plans for a restriction on the use of flavouring set to follow. A new survey from Red C Research and Marketing shows 90pc of vapers surveyed believe an overall ban could lead to a black market for flavoured vapes.

March 15, 2024 by bmj.com

Menthol cigarettes have been banned in Great Britain (GB) since May 2020. Still, menthol accessories and unlabelled cigarettes perceived as mentholated are available, and people can buy menthol cigarettes overseas or illicitly. This study assessed: trends in smoking menthol cigarettes among all adults and 18–24-year-olds in GB between October 2020 and March 2023; trends in and differences between England, Scotland and Wales during the same period and purchase sources among people smoking menthol versus non-flavoured cigarettes.

March 14, 2024 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

Disposable vapes help smokers quit, saving money and lives. The UK government's plan to tax e-liquid is criticized as punishing vapers trying to quit smoking. The new tax rates will start on October 1, 2026, with varying amounts based on nicotine strength. Smoking kills 7 million annually, while vaping is a healthier alternative. The government is urged to enforce laws preventing vape sales to children rather than taxing vapers. Experts fear a black market surge and loss of life if vapers switch back to smoking. Vaping benefits public health and saves the NHS money, making discouraging it a short-sighted move.

March 14, 2024 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

Disposable vapes help smokers quit, saving money and lives. The UK government's plan to tax e-liquid is criticized as punishing vapers trying to quit smoking. The new tax rates will start on October 1, 2026, with varying amounts based on nicotine strength. Smoking kills 7 million annually, while vaping is a healthier alternative. The government is urged to enforce laws preventing vape sales to children rather than taxing vapers. Experts fear a black market surge and loss of life if vapers switch back to smoking. Vaping benefits public health and saves the NHS money, making discouraging it a short-sighted move.

March 13, 2024 by filtermag.org

The UK government has infuriated advocates with the announcement of a new vape tax, aiming to discourage vaping, particularly among young people. Tax rates vary based on nicotine levels and come into effect in 2026. Despite earlier support for vaping as a smoking cessation aid, the tax has sparked criticism for impeding harm reduction and potentially driving people back to smoking. Concerns about the impact on low-income individuals, reduced NHS savings, and contradictory government messaging have been raised. The move has prompted widespread dismay among British vapers and advocates, with calls for a rethink before implementation.

March 13, 2024 by nnalliance.org

The Chancellor's vape tax proposal is criticized for penalizing smokers who switch to vaping, contradicting the government's smoking cessation efforts. The tax on vaping liquids is significantly higher than on cigarettes, discouraging smokers from transitioning to vaping and potentially leading to increased use of illicit products. The tax undermines the Smokefree 2030 goal and fails to consider scientific evidence on nicotine absorption. The government's approach lacks consultation with industry and health experts, risking negative impacts on public health and harm reduction efforts. The proposal is seen as ill-informed and harmful, possibly driven by financial motives rather than genuine health concerns.

March 12, 2024 by thelocal.se

Snus, a form of tobacco popular in Sweden since the 16th century, is used by placing it under the upper lip. Originally snuff-like, it now comes in pouches, known as portionssnus. Swedish Match dominates the market. Snus helped reduce smoking rates in Sweden but faces controversy due to its growing popularity among non-smokers and young women. Despite being banned in the EU, Sweden secured the right to produce and sell snus upon joining. It plays a role in Swedish culture, even appearing in literature. Snus is illegal in the EU, but some tobacco-free versions are available.

March 11, 2024 by bbc.com

Northern Ireland could be included in a Westminster bill which aims to phase out the sale of cigarettes. The bill would make it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 - when they turn 18. The move, backed by the health minister, is subject to approval by the Northern Ireland Assembly. More than 2,000 people die from smoking related illnesses in Northern Ireland every year. The bill is part of the UK government's plan for a "smoke free generation".

March 08, 2024 by www.gov.uk

The government announced a new Vaping Products Duty starting in October 2026, along with increased tobacco duties, as part of Budget 2024. The duty aims to discourage non-smokers and young people from vaping while maintaining a financial incentive to choose vaping over smoking. The Department of Health & Social Care announced restrictions on vaping products earlier in 2024. HM Treasury and HM Revenue and Customs are seeking input from stakeholders to shape policy development and ensure the duty meets its objectives. The consultation provides details on how the duty will be implemented and builds on existing measures to address vaping-related harms.

March 07, 2024 by swissinfo.ch

British finance minister Jeremy Hunt plans to introduce a new tax on vaping products from October 2026 to discourage non-smokers. This tax comes alongside a one-time increase in tobacco duty to maintain the financial incentive to choose vaping over smoking. The move aims to address the rise in vape use among non-smokers and youth. British American Tobacco supports a "low" excise tax on vape liquid but warns about enforcing a tax linked to nicotine content. Some analysts believe the tax could benefit larger companies like BAT over smaller players. Concerns are raised about the potential impact on efforts to help smokers quit.