In a creative protest against impending vape regulations, Riot Labs together with Right Vape opened “The Flavourless Vape Shop” in Northampton on May 22nd. This unique store, located at Kingsley Park Terrace, serves as a stark visualization of the potential future for vapers and smokers if the proposed tax increases and flavor bans by the British government come into effect.
Inside the Protest Store
The shop is divided into two contrasting experiences:
- The Flavorless Side: Showcases a bleak future with bland e-cigarettes, limited options, and poor value.
- The 2024 Price Side: Offers a glimpse of the current variety and quality, maintaining prices and choices available today.
The opening event was marked with humor and satire, including a Rishi Sunak impersonator who participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. This facetious approach turned serious when an incident during the opening went viral: the impersonator was mistaken for the Prime Minister and faced an unexpected egg attack, drawing massive attention online and from major news outlets like The Times and Express.
Voices from the Industry
Ryan Michlig, the owner of Right Vape, emphasized the importance of flavors in aiding smokers to quit: “We are committed to supporting smokers who want to quit smoking, and have helped thousands of people quit smoking over the past seven years. The proposed e-cigarette legislation will be very detrimental to anyone looking to quit smoking.”
Ben Johnson, CEO of Riot Labs, also criticized the new legislation, noting that it would reduce options and value, thereby decreasing the motivation to quit smoking. He suggests that better approaches, such as a mandatory licensing program for retailers, should be considered to address concerns about youth vaping without undermining adult smokers’ efforts to quit.
A Viral Sensation
The unusual protest and subsequent viral incident have thrust “The Flavourless Vape Shop” into the limelight, highlighting the concerns of many about the future of vaping under restrictive laws. The shop not only serves as a protest but also as a poignant reminder of the stakes involved for millions who rely on vaping as a less harmful alternative to smoking.
Join the Discussion
Are you concerned about how these new vaping laws might affect you or others? Visit “The Flavourless Vape Shop” in Northampton to see the potential impacts firsthand. Share your thoughts and experiences with us as we continue to navigate these changes together. Whether you are a vaper, smoker, or simply interested in public health, your voice is crucial in shaping a balanced approach to vaping regulation.
