According to Cancer Research UK (CRUK), the UK government’s goal of achieving a smoke-free country by 2030 appears increasingly unlikely, with the new estimate extending the target to 2039. This projection is based on current trends in smoking cessation rates, which show a steady decline but not rapid enough to meet the 2030 deadline.
However, alarmist reports suggesting a dramatic rise in teen vaping had recently triggered widespread concern, leading to a series of hasty and unnecessary vape restrictions, including a £2.20 tax on e-liquids and a ban on disposable vapes, both measures which make alternatives to smoking less accessible and affordable. Tobacco harm reduction experts have highlighted that the timing of this tax, coupled with proposed restrictions in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, may threaten one of the UK’s strongest tools in achieving a smoke-free society—harm reduction products like vaping.
These products, which have proven effective in helping smokers quit, are at risk if their accessibility is restricted. The Department of Health and Social Care has described the Tobacco and Vapes Bill as a significant public health intervention, yet these measures could inadvertently disrupt a private-sector solution that has supported, and accelerated, smoking cessation.
Widening Inequality in Smoking Rates
CRUK’s report also highlights a widening disparity between income groups in smoking prevalence. It predicts that by next year, smoking rates among the wealthiest 10% of the UK population will reach “smoke-free” levels of around 5%. Meanwhile, the lowest-income 10% are not expected to hit that benchmark for another 25 years, underscoring the economic dimension of smoking harm in the UK. For real progress, targeted engagement with these communities is essential to bridge this “deprivation gap.”
To close this gap, practical, community-focused approaches are needed. Price hikes on e-liquids, such as the proposed tax, will likely affect lower-income vapers the most, raising concerns over affordability. Disposable vapes, despite environmental issues, are effective and easy entry points into vaping due to their cheap and non-committal nature. Additionally, flavours are an important factor in vape satisfaction and appeal, especially for those transitioning from cigarettes.
The market has shown that low-cost, accessible vapes with diverse flavour options encourage smoking cessation. Removing these products or imposing prohibitive costs could hinder smoking reduction efforts. Rather than prohibiting or heavily taxing vapes, alternative solutions exist that address both environmental and regulatory concerns. A licensing scheme for vape retailers could generate funds for enforcing age restrictions, without taxpayer expense. Additionally, a deposit return system could incentivize recycling, addressing environmental impacts without removing access to harm-reduction tools.
Yes to vape retail licensing scheme, no to restrictions making the products appealing to smokers
Echoing the sentiment of peers worldwide, Professor Riccardo Polosa, founder of CoEHAR, the first Center for Tobacco Harm Reduction Research at the University of Catania, expressed his concerns about parts of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. “The United Kingdom has a long history in the fight against smoking, serving as a model for governments and public health organizations worldwide. From the early days of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid, the British government stood out with innovative measures, incorporating these smokeless devices into cessation pathways.
The recent regulatory update for smoker protection follows this path, relying on scientific evidence. As stated in the British Public Health Ministry’s release: If you’re a smoker looking to quit tobacco, vaping can be a helpful tool to reach your goal. However, despite being 80% to 90% less harmful than conventional cigarettes, some of these products have begun to gain popularity among minors, making it essential to address youth vaping as rigorously as smoking and other addictive behaviors.”
Polosa spoke in support of the new vape retail restrictions. “The new regulations in the UK will introduce a series of restrictions for retailers, limiting the uncontrolled sale of e-cigarettes to minors. By increasing the minimum purchasing age for tobacco products and providing proper funding for cessation services, the government aims to create a healthier future, preventing cancer and protecting young people from new forms of addiction. This approach avoids demonizing a product that has already helped millions of smokers quit.”
However, he added, restrictions on vaping products which will affect adult smokers should be re-considered. “In this context, it’s important to highlight that the widespread use of flavors has never been a threat to e-cigarette users. In fact, the opposite is true. Numerous studies, including those conducted by CoEHAR at the University of Catania, demonstrate that adding flavours helps adult smokers personalize their quitting process, thereby improving their chances of successfully quitting smoking. As a result, the planned ban on disposable e-cigarettes starting in 2025 should be reassessed, based on more comprehensive scientific evidence about the potential risks linked to this specific product type”.
Given the fact that previous tobacco harm reduction strategies were working, why UK authorities have decided on a U-turn is incomprehensible. Ultimately, the government’s punitive measures are more than likely to backfire, further stalling smoke-free goals. Instead, supporting the vaping industry in a regulated, affordable framework would serve both public health and economic interests, easing pressure on the NHS and fostering a healthier UK.
