VPA Campaign: Challenging UK E-Cigarette Ban and Protecting Industry

The UK Vaping Protection Alliance (VPA), led by consulting firm Arcus Compliance, is currently raising funds on the crowdfunding platform Crowd Justice to challenge the e-cigarette ban in the UK. So far, they have raised over £12,000, with 29 days left until the deadline.

The alliance stated in a press release, "Our case could have a significant impact on hundreds of legitimate e-cigarette businesses in the UK, while also ensuring that these life-changing e-cigarette products continue to be attractive and accessible to adult former smokers, ultimately saving lives."

It is worth noting that those who support this move are not trying to prevent a ban on disposable e-cigarette products, but are instead working with the government to develop reasonable measures and timelines for phasing them out gradually. This is to ensure that former smokers have a wide range of flavor options, prevent the expansion of the illegal market, and assist the government in creating more sensible regulatory measures, such as including e-cigarette products in a licensing program.

The recent announcement by the Conservative Party government in the UK to create a smoke-free generation and curb teenage smoking has put the British e-cigarette industry in a state of uncertainty.

The lack of a clear timeline and coherent plan has raised concerns. The premise of protecting children is based on data showing an increase in teenagers accessing e-cigarette products.

However, the ban proposed on disposable e-cigarettes and additional restrictions like limiting flavors overlooks significant consequences. This neglect jeopardizes hundreds of legal businesses and falsely equates vaping with smoking in terms of harm.

Robert Sidebottom, General Manager of Arcus Compliance, stated, "We firmly believe that e-cigarette products save lives.

Our mission with the Vape Protection Alliance is to ensure fair regulation, further reduce the opportunities for youth to access e-cigarette products, and ensure that adult smokers continue to have a diverse range of flavor options, while also protecting the viability of the e-cigarette industry.

He also explained, "Our case could have significant implications. Our goal is to work with the government to gradually phase out disposable e-cigarettes within a reasonable timeframe, while still allowing adult consumers the right to access a variety of flavor options. We aim to implement reasonable regulations that prioritize public health and industry sustainability."