NEWS
PLAYING CATCH-UP
Northern Ireland has banned the sale of vape products for under 18s for the first time since they became available in 2007 . Alliance Party health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw said the belated move demonstrated how Northern Ireland was ‘ playing catch-up ’ with the rest of the UK . She said : “ Many parents will be surprised that under 18s have been able to purchase e-cigarettes legally for so long .” From February 1 , shopkeepers can also be fined up to £ 5,000 if convicted of making underage vape sales .
UNITED VOICES
One of vaping ’ s biggest myths is that Public Health England are the only people saying that e-cigarettes are 95 percent less harmful than smoking . However , Irish advocacy group Respect Vapers has set the record straight on social media . It tweeted : “ When you hear people dismiss the PHE findings that vaping is 95 percent less harmful than smoking , just remember that they are not alone .” Other major bodies endorsing the findings include The Royal College of Physicians , the British Medical Association , ASH UK and Cancer Research UK .
KEEPING IT GREEN
The Vapouround team is adding a new category to its roster of prestigious awards ahead of this year ’ s show – Best Sustainable Initiative . By recognising the most eco-conscious and greenthinking brands in our industry , this award celebrates a dedication to harm reduction for smokers … and for the planet . To hear more on our new award , as well as this year ’ s not-to-be-missed event , check out our story ‘ Seven years of celebration ’ later in this issue .
STOP THESE AT-TAX ON VAPING
Plans for punitive new e-cigarette taxes in South Africa could ‘ increase vape prices by up to 200 percent ’ the World Vapers ’ Alliance has warned . The consumer advocacy group also believes the proposals could push around 23 percent of the country ’ s 350,000 vapers back to smoking . Vape products are currently unregulated in South Africa , but the government wants to bring them into its existing tobacco control laws .
LET US SWITCH
DON ’ T FORGET THE SMOKERS
The vape industry has ‘ forgotten ’ that its main goal is to help smokers switch to a less harmful alternative , World Vape Show London was told . Public health expert Konstantinos Farsalinos said : “ The industry seems to be adjusting itself to satisfying the needs of established vapers . It has forgotten that we need to expand to the millions of people who are still smoking combustible products .” He said there was evidence of a shift back on track , but warned that more needed to be done to encourage smokers to switch .
Nine-out-of-ten Filipino smokers want new government policies to encourage smokers to switch to vaping and other less harmful alternatives , says a consumer study . New laws to regulate reduced-risk smoking alternatives are currently awaiting Presidential approval . The legislation would ban sales , promotion or advertising close to schools and playgrounds to ensure that minors don ’ t have access to vape products . Tobacco harm reduction groups said the new law could help save 16 million lives in the Philippines .
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