Read articles from United Kingdom

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 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.

March 06, 2024 by ft.com

The chief executive of British American Tobacco has endorsed the UK’s plans for a vaping tax, claiming the cigarette maker has learned to “love regulation”. Asked if he endorsed a vaping duty, BAT chief executive Tadeu Marroco told the Financial Times: “I think that could be a good idea, I think that we need more regulation”. “A lot of people confuse that we are an industry that hates regulation, that’s exactly the opposite: we love regulation,” he added.

March 06, 2024 by theconversation.com

The proportion of young vapers in Great Britain has increased to 20.5%. Vapes appeal to youth with enticing flavors and packaging. Misguided perceptions of vaping being safe persist. The government is taking steps to reduce youth vaping, including banning disposable vapes and regulating packaging and flavors. Public awareness campaigns are suggested to counter social approval of vaping. Peer pressure and desire for social acceptance drive teens to vape. Influencers and media portrayals play key roles. Stronger regulation of social media content, education on online information evaluation, and higher vape prices are proposed solutions.

March 06, 2024 by filtermag.org

In England, recent data show a decline in adults who correctly perceive vaping as less harmful than smoking, with only 27% aware in 2023 compared to 44% in 2014. This lack of understanding may deter smokers from switching to vaping for harm reduction. Factors contributing to this shift include misinformation, media influence, and recent policies aimed at reducing youth vaping. While the UK has supported harm reduction messaging for vaping, concerns over youth use have led to proposed bans, flavor restrictions, and a potential vape tax. Amidst these changes, public perception of vaping's benefits compared to smoking mirrors challenges seen in the US.