FOLLOW THE UK
Malaysian policymakers are being urged to develop progressive regulations following new evidence in favour of e-cigarettes . The call comes after the latest Public Health England report identified vaping as the most popular and successful quitting aid for UK smokers . Syed Azaudin Syed Ahmad , Malaysian Vaping Chamber of Commerce president , said : “ Malaysia must acknowledge the growing evidence that shows vaping is an effective quitting tool . “ The industry has significant potential that can be unlocked with practical and comprehensive regulation .”
TAXED INTO OBLIVION ?
Vapers in West Virginia could see a 50ml bottle of e-liquid taxed at $ 50 , in a move which could price vape products out of the market . Lawmakers want to increase the tax burden from 7.5 cents to $ 1 per millilitre – a hike of more than 1,200 percent – and , if approved , could come into effect in July . Critics say there is no justification in taxing vape products more harshly than tobacco products – such a high effective tax rate does not even apply to cigarettes in New York City or Chicago .
ENGLAND ’ S £ 40 BILLION MISS
England will miss its “ smoke-free by 2030 ” target by at least 21 years , costing the NHS an additional £ 40 billion , suggests new data . The Vape Club research found that 97 percent of the country will fail to meet projections , with only four counties achieving the goal . Dan Merchant , Vape Club owner , said : “ To have a chance of meeting the government target , it ’ s important that smokers are correctly advised about the available routes to quitting , including the huge harm reduction benefits of vaping .”
EVERY VAPE YOU TAKE ( I ’ LL BE WATCHING YOU )
A Thai man could be charged for breaching consumer protection laws after allegedly selling illegal reduced risk alternatives such as e-cigarettes and other vaping products . Banglamung police conducted a sting operation involving multiple officers , who seized six devices and 33 bottles of e-liquid from the market store owner . Advocacy groups continue to lobby against Thailand ’ s strict anti-vaping laws , but the ban on harm reduction remains firmly in place , with officials claiming it as an effort to ‘ protect public health .’
KEEP IT RATIONAL
Vapers have criticised Health Canada over plans to impose a 20mg nicotine cap on e-cigarettes . Consumer group Rights4Vapers submitted 2,000 letters calling for ‘ a rational and pragmatic ’ approach to improving public health . A Rights4Vapers spokesperson said : “ Nicotine caps may not seem like a big deal , but they are to vapers . “ We ’ re calling on Health Canada to include the voice of Canadian vapers in this and any future regulatory process .”
SUN , SEA , SAND BUT NO SMOKING
Smoking will be banned at four of Barcelona ’ s most popular beaches in a bid to promote a ‘ healthier , smoke-free city .’ It will run from May to September and , if successful , could be made permanent and extended to the city ’ s other six beaches as well as parks and bus stops next year . The restriction aims to improve Barcelona ’ s air quality and protect public health . Officials say it is not designed to punish smokers and won ’ t result in a direct fine for non-compliance .
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