World Vape Day 2024

As we mark World Vape Day on May 30 we must face a sobering truth; Governments are actively working against policies that could significantly reduce the harm caused by smoking.

This is not due to vapes failing to stop people from smoking. Far from it - each year in the UK, some 70,000 people quit cigarettes with the help of vaping. Globally of course it is even more.

Rather, statistics suggest that while consumption of cigarettes is down, the number of smokers has increased.

The Rise of Smoking Among Youth

Smoking among 13-15 year olds also increased in 63 Countries (not the UK), contributing to the total 1.1 billion smokers in the world, with an additional 200 million individuals using other tobacco products. Globally, nearly 5 trillion cigarettes are consumed each year.

Compare these numbers to the 86 million who vape globally and we can see how much work there is to be done in transitioning people from combustible tobacco to safer forms of nicotine consumption. Worldwide, eight million people a year continue to die needlessly from cigarettes and associated diseases.

I consider this statistic every time I hear real stories from often emotional members of the vaping community, who are adament their life was not only saved or extended but positively improved, progressivley, by switching from burning tobacco to vaping instead.

We know the vaping strategy works. If it didn't, the NHS would not hand vapes out.

Political Roadblocks to Harm Reduction

And here is where campaigners like me are left baffled by the approach of both the Conservatives - who have shelved plans to ban smoking because there isn't time before the election - and the Labour government likely to take power.

Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting has made it clear he wholeheartedly supports Rishi Sunak's plan to ban disposable vapes. He also backs the proposed supertax on vape liquids, case studies show will drive low-income consumers back to cigarettes and disuade current smokers from making the switch. The only problem, Streeting believes, is the new laws do not go far enough. Presumably inspired by the firebombings and murders blighting Australia from a violent vape black market, he wishes to follow their model and make e-cigarettes prescription only in the UK.

Examining the Double Standard

It is an interesting double-standard by our MPs that British children drink more alcohol than in any other country in the world, yet we do not see alcohol banned, tripple the price, or make it prescription only, because this response would be deemed disproportionate. If it is considered the law is sufficient to stop children accessing alcohol, how are vapes any different?

It seems then, if we are serious about beating smoking in this country whilst preventing minors from accessing (already) age-restricted products, the answer is staring us in the face.

A Practical Solution: Vape Licensing Scheme

A vape licensing scheme similar to the alcohol industry would deter retailers from selling products to underage customers with a simple, robust system.

This would make it mandatory for all retailers and distributors to be licenced, with hefty fines and penalties for operating without one. A four strike penalty system would mean maximum fines of £10,000 for retailers and £100,000 for distributors caught selling to minors or without a license.

Trading Standards would also be given the power to issue on-the-spot fines, seize stock and block retailers from obtaining a license if caught selling illicit products.

A task force would carry out regular test purchases and inspections to ensure age verification and compliance with regulations.

Such a scheme - cheap in comparison to the cost of tackling an overwhelming black market - would hold retailers accountable and provide enforcement tools to crack down on illicit underage sales.

The World Health Organization's Misstep

Instead of embracing such ideas and presenting them as an option to its members, the embattled World Health Organsiation - which was recently called out by X fact checkers for disinformation around vaping - will hail its supposed anti-vape successes on World No Tobacco Day on May 31.

As it decries vaping and pats itself on the back for attacking what it sees as a new means of addiction, it should reflect on its strategy as more people start smoking in some of the world's poorest regions each year.

The data shows the strategy behind World No Tobacco Day is failing.

Let us consider then what World Vape Day represents - a simple, practical and effective path to a smoke free future.