The vaping industry has formally reached out to the Prime Minister to voice their concerns over remarks made by Public Health Minister Andrea Leadsom. During discussions at the Tobacco & Vapes Bill Committee, Leadsom openly dismissed the idea of a licensing scheme for vape retailers, which has stirred significant backlash from industry stakeholders.
Minister’s Controversial Remarks Ignite Industry Backlash
In her comments, Leadsom expressed a staunch opposition to the licensing proposal, suggesting it would merely serve as a tool for the vaping industry to eliminate competition and exploit children—a notion that has deeply offended industry representatives. Her exact words were:
“I am grateful to the hon. Lady (Mary Glindon MP) for giving me the chance to give my personal opinion on licensing. It is a license for the vaping industry to get rid of the competition, make loads more money and focus even more on addicting children to vapes. It is the most cynical of all the cynical proposals I have seen. “I am literally in no way in support of a licensing regime. I see lots of nods around the room; I hope that my personal view is clear and am glad that it seems to be shared by a number of Hon. Members.”
UKVIA Responds with Facts and Frustration
The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has been a proponent of a licensing scheme, arguing it would generate over £50 million annually to enhance enforcement against underage and illicit vape sales. John Dunne, Director General of UKVIA, countered the minister’s claims by emphasizing the scheme’s potential to bolster regulation and protect children, noting the considerable investment by reputable vape businesses in responsible practices.
Dunne stated:
“Our licensing scheme is designed to raise £50m+ for greater enforcement of the regulations, and more through fines of up to £10,000 for retailers and £100,000 for distributors. “As to the Minister’s comments on the licensing scheme they are false and completely inappropriate. “They are disrespectful to the legitimate independent vaping industry that wants to do the right thing, and have invested their life savings in helping save the lives of smokers.”
Ongoing Government and Industry Tensions
The tension extends beyond mere words as the Department of Health and Social Care has directed Trading Standards (TS) and the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) to end its primary authority partnership with UKVIA, which focused on preventing underage vape sales.
Despite these challenges, UKVIA continues to lead initiatives like the Be Vape Vigilant scheme, which enables the public to report non-compliant retailers, and has provided assured guidance for retailers to help prevent underage sales.
Final Thoughts
The dispute underscores a critical divide between government perspectives and industry efforts to regulate and improve vaping practices responsibly. As this debate unfolds, the potential impacts on public health, industry standards, and legislative actions remain a pivotal area of concern for all stakeholders involved.
