The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has issued a pressing call for the government to put a temporary halt on the implementation of the new Tobacco and Vapes Bill, citing substantial public health concerns that have yet to be thoroughly assessed.
Concerns Over Lack of Health Impact Assessment
In a startling revelation found within the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) conducted by the Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC), it appears that the potential public health impacts of the proposed restrictions on vaping products have not been quantified. The DHSC openly admits to the oversight, noting the absence of any investigation into how reduced access to flavored vapes and changes in sales displays or packaging might affect the number of people using vapes to quit smoking.
Authority without Parliamentary Oversight
The bill also proposes to grant the Secretary of State substantial powers to enact a wide array of rules, bans, and restrictions concerning vaping products without further parliamentary approval. This move has sparked significant alarm among stakeholders and advocates within the vaping community.
Statements from UKVIA
John Dunne, Director General of UKVIA, expressed deep concern over the government’s approach, stating:
“We cannot stand by and let the Government play Russian Roulette with millions of lives. The potential health impacts of any new regulatory changes must be robustly examined and quantified before anything else happens.”
Dunne further emphasized the critical nature of this oversight:
“It is absolutely crucial that Parliament gets this right before this Bill becomes law. We have already written to the Prime Minister and every MP to point out this glaring oversight by the DHSC. It is irresponsible in the extreme for the Government to propose legislation that gives unprecedented powers to the Secretary of State to make life-or-death decisions for millions of British smokers and vapers without even a cursory nod to the health impacts this may have.”
Call for Transparency and Verification
UKVIA is advocating for a more transparent legislative process, insisting that the evidence guiding these potential regulations should be publicly available and independently verified to ensure that they do not inadvertently lead to a public health disaster.
Implications for Smokers and Vapers
The association warns that the bill, if enacted without adequate health impact assessments, could lead to severe unintended consequences for millions of smokers and vapers across the UK who rely on vaping products as a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes.
Next Steps
As the debate around this bill continues, UKVIA is urging all stakeholders, including policymakers, health professionals, and the public, to consider the potential long-term consequences of these regulations. The association continues to engage with political leaders to ensure a balanced approach that prioritizes public health and the well-being of individuals seeking smoking cessation solutions.
