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The IBVTA’s Liam Humberstone had scathing words for the CDC
Words: Gordon Stribling
T
he Independent British Vape Trade Association has been
integral to the industry since its inception in 2015. The IBVTA
represents 300-plus vape shops, as well as manufacturers
and distributors.
Liam Humberstone was tasked with representing the organisation.
He also shared his views on the state of the UK’s industry in the
context of the ongoing situation in the US.
Liam argued that Europe’s once-controversial TPD had succeeded
because it helped maintain a competitive market and a level playing
fi eld. He believes that the US situation shows what happens when
this balance isn’t maintained.
“The problems stem from a lack of regulation up until now but will be
followed by brutal PMTA regulations from May 2020.
“This didn’t happen here because we had a responsible and credible
industry sector that represents itself to government and regulators.”
The IBVTA has links with Public Health England, the MHRA and the
Department of Health which it has been able to develop thanks to its
independence from the tobacco industry. And if the UK media was to
approach these organisations, they could vouch for the IBVTA and the
UK’s regulated industry.
Liam was highly critical of how American public health bodies dealt
with the recent THC scare.
“The CDC was very irresponsible in dealing with the issue.
“If their announcement was sensible, it would have protected public
health for people who do use THC and not affected those who legally
vape nicotine products in the US.”
Liam also had some practical advice for vape shops in the UK looking
to attract their share of the remaining six million smokers yet to make
the switch. Firstly, show that they were responsible and credible, not just
behind-the-scenes but by making their shops attractive.
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This means keeping the shop clean and making it welcoming to smokers.
He said that it’s okay to have an area at the back for cloud-chasing but
there shouldn’t be a fug of vapour in the shop scaring smokers off. After
all, 90 percent of walk-ins are smokers wanting to quit.
The Totally Wicked technical director also had advice for stores looking
to develop relationships with NHS stop-smoking services.
“If you have smoking-cessation services nearby, give them a call.
“They may ask if you’re an IBVTA member because this shows that you
have signed up to trading responsibly and have nothing to do with the
tobacco industry.”