“
IT’S ALWAYS A FASCINATING DAY, AND AN
OPPORTUNITY TO CATCH UP WITH WHAT’S
GOING ON IN SCIENCE, AND WITH A WIDE
VARIETY OF PEOPLE WITH AN INTEREST IN
TOBACCO HARM REDUCTION. THIS YEAR’S
SUMMIT ACHIEVED THAT IN SPADES.
on in science, and with a wide variety of people with an interest
in tobacco harm reduction. This year’s summit achieved that in
spades.”
There remains the issue, of widening the forum into a venue for
debate and discussion, rather than continuous agreement and
support. Shows of solidarity between members of the industry are
nothing to scoff at, but Sarah – and many others – would like to
see a widening of perspectives presented at the event.
“I think Amanda (the organiser) would be the first to admit though
that we are still not getting enough people with opposing views
to attend and speak. Perhaps that’s understandable but it’s also
unfortunate because the debate might be a lot less acrimonious
if it were face to face, rather than a war of words in journals and
the media.”
When we asked her which speakers, talks and issues raised at
the summit deserved a brighter spotlight, Sarah told us she would
like to see a lot more qualitative research presented.
“I’m fascinated by the questions of ‘why’ and ‘how’ vaping works
for some people, and what the barriers are for those smokers
for whom it doesn’t work. Quantitive research concerning the
question of ‘whether’ it works may be necessary in some areas
of policy making, but it doesn’t do much to help us help people.”
Sarah added: “Like many vapers, I’ve been waiting years for
science to catch up with what we already know - that vaping is a
far safer alternative to smoking that is attractive to a great many
smokers. What’s not to like?”
Coming at the tail-end of the year, the summit naturally compels
us to look back on its highs and lows, and consider the vaping
industry’s future. There are no certainties in this game, and
predictions can be risky. Nonetheless, Sarah had much to say
on the most pressing matters for vape companies in the
coming months.
“We’re at a point now where in some ways the interests of
industry and consumers are diverging. Manufacturers and some
retailers have spent very considerable sums on compliance with
the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations and don’t want
lose out to competition from non-compliant products or exempt
workarounds. For them, the current focus seems to be on
enforcement, but I hope they won’t lose sight of the ideal goal -
replacing the Regulations with something more fit for purpose.”
When asked what New Nicotine Alliance’s plans were in light of
such developments, Sarah informed us that “in 2018 we intend to
continue our work to create a better understanding of reduced risk
products, their use, and the people who use them. We will continue
to campaign for more appropriate regulation, and also against the
lazy and ill-informed policy making we see everywhere from local
authorities to public transport. One of our biggest challenges for
2018 will be to overturn the EU wide ban on snus, a pasteurised
smokeless tobacco product that is the main reason Sweden has
the lowest smoking rate in the EU by a country mile.”
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