Scottish Survey Finds E-Cigarettes More Affordable and Safer

A recent study suggests that e-cigarette users choose these products because they are cheaper, less harmful, and can aid in quitting smoking. More e-cigarette users are now opting to buy them from local stores rather than online, with only one-sixth of people, including non-smokers and non-e-cigarette users, wanting to make access to e-cigarettes more difficult (about half of people wish for easier access). This information was compiled by 2FIRSTS from Talking Retail.

This opinion survey was conducted following discussions by the Scottish government, which proposed a ban on in-store promotions of e-cigarettes.

A recent opinion poll conducted by Defill Partnership surveyed over 2,000 people on their views regarding smoking and e-cigarettes. Out of those surveyed, less than half were current or former smokers and around one-fifth were current or former users of e-cigarettes.

SGF is the representation of convenience stores in Scotland. While its members sell both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes, they are committed to playing a role in making Scotland smoke-free by continuing to responsibly promote and sell e-cigarettes until 2034.

James Donnason, a retired bricklayer who is 75 years old (pictured above), has not touched a cigarette since he suffered three heart attacks 18 months ago. Donnason questions why the government would want to ban people from using e-cigarettes, stating that it could potentially be a healthier alternative to smoking. "I feel a lot better since I stopped smoking. I don't get chest infections as often as I used to," he said.

Dr. John Lee, the SGF Director of Policy and Public Affairs, stated that the people of Scotland, including both smokers and non-smokers, are endorsing e-cigarettes. This is a significant real-world evidence that supports NHS Scotland's belief that the harm caused by e-cigarettes is far less than that caused by smoking.

Electronic cigarette users have told us that they are turning to e-cigarettes because they are safer, cheaper, and more likely to help them quit smoking for good. Our convenience store members are hoping to play a role in the massive effort required to transition smokers to e-cigarettes and achieve a smoke-free Scotland by 2034. The good news is that the number of respondents purchasing e-cigarettes from convenience stores has doubled in the past year. One of our member's stories not only benefits the local economy but also helps vapers know what they are buying. The Scottish government hopes to make Scotland smoke-free by 2034 and has pathways to achieve this goal.

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