The aim of the recommendation is to encourage all EU member states to implement bans on vaping and heated tobacco use in a variety of public places. While a document supporting the recommendation as covering “indoor and enclosed spaces” adds that policies for “outdoor spaces, such as schools, playgrounds and outdoor eating establishments” are not included in the scope of the EU recommendation, but rather should be decided on a case-by-case basis by governments of individual EU member states.
The EC wants to restrict use safer nicotine alternatives
The Commission intends to change the recommendation to “explicitly include certain outdoor and quasi-outdoor spaces in the definition of smoke-free environments” and extend the scope to include safer nicotine alternatives such as vapes and heated tobacco products.
The New Nicotine Alliance (NNA) submitted a response to this misguided proposal highlighting that sadly the EU is pointing to highly criticised and flawed reports by the WHO and the SCHEER Committee as its justification.
Similarly in response to the proposal Director of the World Vapers’ Alliance (WVA), highlighted that this is another misguided attack against tobacco harm reduction. “It is shocking that the EU Commission still fights tobacco harm reduction. We need as many options as possible to achieve the Commission’s own 5% tobacco use target. Vaping, nicotine pouches and heat-not-burn products all help people quit smoking and are less harmful.”
EU Vape Industry Welcomes Decision to Embrace Tobacco Harm Reduction
