Vaping Overtakes Smoking in Britain for First Time: ONS Data

For the first time on record, more people in Britain now vape than smoke traditional cigarettes, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The 2024 figures show that one in ten people aged 16 and over (10%) use e-cigarettes regularly, compared with 9.1% who smoke cigarettes. This translates to approximately 5.4 million vapers versus 4.9 million smokers across the nation.

David Mais of the ONS described the crossover as being “in line with the long-term trend of fewer people smoking cigarettes over the past decade.” This decline has been particularly steep among young adults; the proportion of 18 to 24-year-olds who smoke has plummeted from more than one in four in 2011 to fewer than one in ten today. The new data also reveals a gender shift in vaping habits, with the proportion of men vaping falling slightly in 2024, while vaping among women increased from 8.5% to 10%.

The highest rate of vaping continues to be among 16 to 24-year-olds, with 13% (about one in eight) in this age group using e-cigarettes. In contrast, the highest proportion of smokers is found among 25 to 34-year-olds at 12.6%.

A Public Health Milestone with New Challenges

Public health experts have described this shift as a pivotal moment. Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), called the crossover “a significant moment,” stating, “The growth in vaping has almost certainly contributed to the fall in smoking and is therefore to be welcomed.” Simon Clark, director of the smokers’ rights group Forest, echoed this, crediting education and the availability of reduced-risk alternatives like vapes and nicotine pouches for encouraging millions to switch.

However, the positive news is tempered by persistent concerns about youth uptake and non-smokers initiating nicotine use through vaping. “The concerns about non-smokers and young people taking up vaping remain,” Cheeseman added. Deborah Arnott, an honorary associate professor at University College London (UCL), emphasized that the trend “underlines the need for greater regulation,” stating, “Vaping is not risk-free and should only be used to help smokers quit.”

Government Response: The Tobacco and Vapes Bill

The UK government is actively responding to this new reality with its Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is currently progressing through Parliament. This landmark legislation aims to address both sides of the issue:

Creating a “Smoke-Free Generation”: The bill will make it illegal for anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, to ever legally purchase tobacco products.
Cracking Down on Youth Vaping: It will introduce new powers to restrict the packaging, marketing, and flavors of e-cigarettes to make them less appealing to children.
Regulating Newer Nicotine Products: On Monday, the government confirmed the bill would also ban the sale of oral nicotine pouches to under-18s and regulate their flavors and nicotine strength. Retailers caught selling these unlawfully to minors will face a £200 fine.

Health officials stated these measures will “let us set rules on nicotine strength, flavours and packaging to keep young people safe.” While critics argue that targeting products that help smokers quit is counterproductive, the government’s strategy appears focused on supporting vaping as a tool for adult smokers while decisively closing avenues for youth appeal and access.

News source:Vaping overtakes smoking for first time

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.