Ban on sale or display of flavoured vapes to "protect" children would be "massive own goal" says Forest

Mon 26th December, 2022

Responding to proposals, reported today, by the Scottish Greens to ban the display or sale of "sweet tasting vapes" in shops, Simon Clark, director of Forest, said:

“Restrictions on the sale or display of flavoured vapes would be a massive own goal because it would deter many smokers from switching voluntarily to a far less harmful product.

“Adults like flavours too so restricting their choice of vapes is not only illiberal, it could be counter-productive in terms of public health.

“Banned or restricted flavours will almost certainly appear on the black market where unregulated and potentially more harmful products could be sold to children.”

He added:

“The sale of e-cigarettes to under 18s is already prohibited. Further point of sale policies like hiding or banning flavoured vapes will not only infantilise adults of all ages, it will deny lawful consumers access to the products and information that may help them quit smoking."

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