Stoptober – could banning vapes cause smoking habits to return?

As the UK debates the future of vaping, new research from HAYPP highlights the risks of blanket bans on vape products, suggesting they could undo much of the progress made in reducing smoking rates. Instead of helping people quit smoking, a ban – particularly on flavoured or disposable vapes – could push many vapers back to cigarettes, reversing public health gains and driving the growth of a black market for illegal vape sales.

36% of vapers say they would return to smoking if flavoured vapes were prohibited, with this rising to 44% among men. Moreover, 10% of vapers who have never smoked say they would start smoking cigarettes if flavours were banned. A ban on disposable vapes could see 14% of users revert to smoking, and 25% of all vapers indicate they would seek illegal alternatives if their preferred products were no longer available.

Outright bans may not address the root issues. With illegal vapes already circulating, there are fears that further restrictions could expand this unregulated market. There is also growing support for a more focused approach on regulation and harm reduction, aimed at protecting consumers and reducing smoking rates.

Aston spoke to Marina Murphy, senior director scientific affairs at Haypp.