UK Government Pledges Consultation on Vape Flavours After Petition Hits Milestone
Response Acknowledges Flavours’ Role for Adult Smokers Amid Youth Protection Goals
A petition urging the UK government to reconsider proposed restrictions on vape flavours under the new Tobacco and Vapes Bill has surpassed the 10,000-signature threshold, triggering a formal government response. While reaffirming its intention to regulate flavours to protect children, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has pledged further public consultation before implementing specific restrictions and acknowledged the importance of flavours for adult smokers seeking to quit.
The petition, initiated by Greig Fowler, director of vape retailer VPZ, argues that banning flavours would “bring more harm,” potentially reversing smoking cessation progress and driving users towards dangerous black market products. Having garnered over 12,200 signatures in seven weeks (closing September 7th), it mandated an official reply from the government.
In its response, the DHSC confirmed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill grants powers to introduce limits on vape flavours. The stated aim is to reduce the appeal of vaping to children, citing examples like “gummy bear” and “cotton candy” as unnecessary for cessation and overtly attractive to minors. “Restricting flavours that appeal to children has the potential to reduce the number of children who are vaping,” the statement read.
However, the government also explicitly recognized the crucial role flavours play for adults switching from smoking. “We are keenly aware that vaping is rightly used by adults as a tool to quit smoking,” the DHSC stated. “Vapes are less harmful than cigarettes, and vape flavours are an important consideration for adult smokers seeking to quit smoking.”
Crucially, the DHSC committed to carefully considering the scope and impact of any flavour restrictions to avoid negatively impacting adult smoking rates. They announced a further public consultation on specific flavour measures will take place *after* the Tobacco and Vapes Bill receives Royal Assent, inviting stakeholders to submit evidence during that process.
Vaping advocates welcomed the promise of consultation but remain critical of the potential bans. Mark Oates, founder of We Vape, argued the government misjudged adult flavour preferences and suggested renaming child-appealing flavour names rather than banning the tastes themselves. “What is being proposed is a step too far,” Oates said, warning against undermining harm reduction. He cited research suggesting up to 36% of adult vapers might return to smoking if flavours were banned, urging vapers to engage with the petition and the future consultation to protect access to harm reduction tools.
- News source: Vape flavour petition prompts government response
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