The Vape E-Liquid Flavour Debate: Should Fruit Flavours Be Banned in the UK?

A storm has been brewing in the vaping world in recent months over the issue of flavoured vape juices. Specifically, the UK government has proposed banning fruit, and other sweet-flavoured e-liquids out of concern that these products appeal to underage users and get young people hooked on nicotine. A petition on the government’s website calling for further debate on this flavour ban has sparked impassioned discussion on both sides.

As a vape shop owner, I have a personal and professional interest in this issue. Many of my customers rely on fruit-flavoured juices and worry that strictly limiting options will make switching from smoking more difficult. However, I understand the strong feelings that these sweet flavours could attract young people to start vaping. This is an ethical debate with convincing arguments on both sides.

Those in favour of a ban on fruit vape juice flavours make a simple case: These products clearly appeal more to non-smoking teenagers than the typical nicotine flavours like tobacco or menthol. With sweet e-liquid options available, vaping can easily become a gateway for youth to develop lifelong nicotine addictions. We should not have bubblegum or cotton candy vapes on the market if they exist mainly to draw underage experimentation. Restricting flavours to neutral options makes vapes less enticing to new, young users.

However, the issue becomes more nuanced when considering the experience of adult vapers hoping to quit smoking. Countless smokers have successfully switched by finding sweet e-juice flavours they enjoy more than tobacco. Heavy cigarette users may dislike straight tobacco or menthol vapes and need options like fruit medley or dessert flavours to fully transition from combustible cigarettes. 

For these smokers, banning their preferred flavours may cut off their pathway to quitting and essentially protect cigarette sales by making strong vape alternatives illegal. Additionally, some public health experts argue that allowing and regulating sweet vape flavours actually reduces youth interest by providing satisfaction for adult vapers who would otherwise produce their own DIY e-liquids or buy black market solutions potentially more accessible to teenagers. They contend that banning legal flavours counterproductively strengthens dangerous underground markets.

As part of their plans to tackle youth vaping, the Government intends to legislate for new powers which would allow them to introduce flavour restrictions for e-liquids in the UK. This move could have huge consequences for current and future adult vapers who are using e-cigarettes as an alternative to smoking.

Voicing our view

This counter petition gives those opposed to potential flavour restrictions a voice, as the more signatures the petition receives, the more attention it will receive from the Government. While vape flavours can be seen as being appealing to underage people, it is important to recognise that they also play a crucial role in helping many vapers maintain their smoke-free journey.

The vaping community, along with many health authorities, are concerned that the introduction of flavour restrictions could therefore have a negative impact on current vapers, leading them to return to smoking or to seek the flavours they want from illicit sources.

As a vape shop owner, I sympathise with these adult customers. Over the years, I have heard from thousands of grateful smokers who quit cigarettes through tasty vape juices. I have seen shop regulars thrive after switching from tobacco to delectable flavours that made their transition possible. It seems unjust to ban the very products that have helped so many people improve their health simply because youth may also find them appealing.

However, ethical business practices also require us to do everything possible to discourage underage vaping and addiction. Though industry groups argue otherwise, common sense suggests that youth will gravitate to sweet and fun flavours as an initiation to vaping. As much as I want to promote pleasurable vaping options for my smoking customers, no profit motive can justify turning a blind eye if these same products serve as a gateway for non-smoking teens. The hard truth is that fruit and candy vape juices show little consideration for public health ethics - they appeal far more to people who have never smoked yet still expose them to possible nicotine addiction. For the greater good, some reasonable limitation on flavours may be justified if paired with better enforcement and education campaigns.

My hope is that this complex issue continues receiving more nuanced debate rather than reactionary policies. Perhaps candy flavours can be restricted to specialty vape shops catering only to adult smokers while gas stations and convenience stores are limited to tobacco and menthol options. Or maybe transparent warning labels and childproof caps on containers would allow fruit e-liquids to remain available to adults who rely on these satisfying flavours.

Why sign a petition?

I encourage all vapers and concerned citizens to make their voices heard in this public discussion.  Please consider signing on to the government's petition if you want elected officials to ban these vape flavours.

We however suggest this counter-petition which needs only 10,000 signatures. This is against the proposed flavours ban for customers who wish to voice their opposition. This debate involves ethical questions without easy answers on public health, business freedom, and personal choice. 

Only through inclusive public discourse considering both sides can we determine the right policies that balance these complicated issues. Customers can view and sign either petition right on our shop's website to join the public debate - whether you stand with the government restriction or oppose the vape flavours ban, make sure your perspective is heard.

Customers can view and sign either the government petition or the counter-petition to join the public debate - whether you stand with the government restriction or oppose the vape flavour ban, make sure your perspective is heard.

FAQs

What is the petition for?

The petition is demanding further discussion around the UK government's proposal to ban certain vape flavours including fruit, dessert, and candy e-liquid flavours. It aims to prevent these bans from being enacted without more debate on how that would impact adult vapers.

Why do some people want to ban vape flavours?

Those who support flavour bans argue that sweet flavours appeal to teenagers and allow e-cigarette use to serve as a gateway for youth to get addicted to nicotine. They want to restrict flavours only to bland options like tobacco and menthol to discourage underage appeal.

Who can sign the petition?

Any UK citizen or resident over 18 years old can sign. You simply provide your name, email, and postcode to add your signature.

How does signing the petition help?

The more signatures the petition gains, the more pressure it puts on the government to address these flavour restriction proposals in more depth. 100K signatures would force Parliament to consider a debate.

How else can I voice my opposition to the flavour ban?

Contact your MP and local government representatives directly to make your opinion heard. You can also share the petition and information about these proposals on social media.

What is the risk from a flavour ban for current vapers?

Many vapers rely on fruit and sweet e-liquid flavours and being forced to strictly use tobacco/menthol liquids could push them back to regular cigarette smoking.

Wouldn't bans just impact underage vapers while helping adults quit?

Underage users may turn to dangerous black market vape products if legal flavours they prefer are banned. There is little evidence of adult smokers then quitting cigarettes more easily without legal, regulated flavour options to switch to.

Why does the flavour of someone's vapes matter?

Vapers often do not enjoy just tobacco or menthol flavours, so having a variety can make switching off smoking more successful by catering to individual preferences.

Who would benefit from flavour bans?

Mainly major tobacco companies selling cigarettes would profit as less competition from a weakened vape industry without diverse flavour options.

How can I follow updates on this petition and issue?

Check the government petition site for new signature totals or subscribe to updates by providing your email address when signing. We will also post new developments on our shop's website and social media pages.

Sources: 
Press release: Disposable vapes banned to protect children's health gov.uk
Don’t ban flavoured e-liquids for e-cigarettes petition.parliament.uk 
Info on How petitions work petition.parliament.uk