THE art OF ADVOCACY
A global alliance of vapers displayed an art installation outside the European Parliament in Brussels to protest against possible EU vape flavour bans .
Words : Patrick Griffin
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There is an art to vaping advocacy .
And art was front and centre when the World Vapers ’ Alliance took their ongoing # Flavours Matter campaign to the streets of Brussels .
A WVA team brought an art installation to the European Parliament to highlight the message that vaping flavours helps smokers quit .
The campaign aims to show EU policymakers how vital flavours are for smoking cessation and how they can help countries meet their smokefree ambitions .
There are signs that the campaign is having an effect in getting its message across .
When the WVA hosted a demonstration at the Hague in March , where politicians were considering imposing a vape flavour ban , a six month postponement was announced in the Netherlands .
And this new art installation event was attended by Italian MEP Pietro Fiocchi who said : “ I strongly believe that alternative systems to traditional smoking are the biggest instrument to greatly reduce the percentage of lung diseases and cancer .
“ Any ideological approach against such systems is negative and against any scientific data .
“ We all agree that not smoking is the best choice , but we also know very well that tax increases and limitations are not working solutions .”
World Vapers ’ Alliance director Michael Landl said having a variety of e-liquid flavours was ‘ crucial ’ to ensuring that smokers quit cigarettes and never go back .
Landl said : “ Vaping has helped millions of people change their lives and now we need policies to catch up .
“ Data shows that adults who vape flavoured e-cigarettes are 230 percent more likely to quit smoking than those who use unflavoured e-cigarettes .
“ We have to make sure that this is taken into account when the next regulations are drafted .”
I strongly believe that alternative systems to traditional smoking are the biggest instrument to greatly reduce the percentage of lung diseases and cancer .
WARNING - THIS PRODUCT MAY CONTAIN NICOTINE WHICH IS A HIGHLY ADDICTIVE SUBSTANCE