FEATURE
LIGHTS , CAMERA , ACTION AGAINST FLAVOUR BANS
Dutch vapers take to the streets and lobby politicians in an overwhelming show of opposition against a controversial flavour ban proposal
Words : Jordan Millar
Dutch vapers , along with the World Vapers ’ Alliance , have taken to the streets of The Hague in a peaceful – and COVID-safe – protest against a proposal to ban flavoured e-liquids . The group illuminated buildings of the Dutch political capital with a lightshow , expressing their disappointment with lawmakers for considering such a ‘ misguided ’ policy . The slogan ‘ Save Flavours , Save Lives ’ was at the core of the movement , with critics of the ban highlighting that it could have a severe impact on public health . The protest coincided with an online forum around the proposal , with World Vapers ’ Alliance Director Michael Landl calling the installation an “ incredible public consultation response .” Policymakers are now being urged to reconsider the needs of the local vaping community and “ drop this ridiculous legislation .”
If passed , the ban would see all e-liquid flavours – excluding tobacco – removed from the market , while cigarettes would remain on sale until 2024 . The proposal comes after health minister Paul Blokhuis set out to reduce youth uptake of vaping , citing ‘ exotic ’ e-liquids as a driving force for young vapers . He said : “ It remains unacceptable that 20,000 people in our country die every year from the effects of smoking and about 75 children start smoking every day . “ The new insights confirm that the smoke-free generation that is arriving must also be an e-cigarette-free generation . “ There is no room for e-cigarettes with all kinds of tempting flavours .” However , the flavoured e-liquid ban has seen the highest percentage of negative responses recorded on a Dutch public health consultation .
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