Amid the media buzz regarding a potential ban on disposable vapes, it’s crucial to clarify that the current discussions revolve around a consultation process, and no definitive decisions have been reached concerning the future of disposable vapes.
John Dunne, Director General of the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), emphasised:
“We welcome the idea of a consultation on disposables as it’s key that the industry gets the opportunity to highlight the benefits, and therefore continued need, for single-use vapes as a smoking cessation method.
“A ban is not the answer. Some 220 people die from smoking every day, 365 days a year. Disposables have proved to be highly effective in helping smokers quit their habits due to their ease of use, accessibility and low entry price points. They are one of the main reasons as to why the number of adult smokers in Great Britain have hit record lows for the last two years according to the Office for National Statistics.”
Phoenix 2 Retail has been working in close collaboration with brands and regulatory bodies, introducing Pre 2 Post Market Compliance testing and nationwide recycling solutions to safeguard the future of the vaping category within the FMCG sector.
Chris Kelly, CEO of Phoenix 2 Retail, stressed the inevitability of regulation in the industry and the importance of constructive engagement with government, regulators, and trade bodies to facilitate change without compromising the core mission of assisting adult smokers in transitioning away from combustible cigarettes.
Kelly added, “Advocating for licensing and stricter enforcement against illicit sellers and retailers serving minors is of paramount importance. As the founder of Phoenix 2 Retail and a member of the UKVIA team, we are committed to supporting our retailers, suppliers, and partners throughout this journey.”
Furthermore, Phoenix 2 Retail has entered a long-term partnership with Serve Legal, the leading provider of ID and compliance testing services in the UK and Ireland. This collaboration aims to prevent underage sales, enhance retailer education, and improve performance and compliance among retailers.