UK E-cigarette Flavor Restrictions Petition Triggers Government Response and Consultation

Apr.30
UK E-cigarette Flavor Restrictions Petition Triggers Government Response and Consultation
A UK petition opposing e-cigarette flavor bans has reached over 12,000 signatures, leading to a government promise for public consultation. Opponents say the ban would harm smoking cessation efforts and boost the black market. The government will assess the issue, aiming to balance youth protection and adult smoking support.

Key points:

·A petition opposing proposed restrictions on e-cigarette flavors in the UK's Tobacco and Vapes Bill has garnered over 12,000 signatures, prompting a formal response from the government and a commitment to further public consultation. 

·The petitioners argue that flavor restrictions could undermine progress in smoking cessation and drive users towards the black market. 

·The government response emphasizes the need to protect children but also acknowledges the role of flavors in adult smoking cessation. 


According to a report by Talking Retail on April 29th, the online petition against e-cigarette flavor restrictions has gained momentum during the deliberations of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in the UK.

 

According to current regulations, if a petition receives more than 10,000 signatures, the government must respond; if it reaches 100,000 signatures, Parliament must consider whether to hold a debate. The petition will close on September 7th.

 

A petition launched by Greig Fowler, a director at the British e-cigarette retailer VPZ, argues that the government's proposed restrictions on certain sweet-flavored e-cigarette liquids will "undermine smoking cessation efforts and push users towards dangerous black market products". So far, the petition has received over 12,200 signatures within seven weeks, with a particularly high response rate coming from Labour Party constituencies.

 

In response to the petition, the Ministry of Health and Social Security issued a statement stating,

 

"Before implementing any specific restrictions on e-cigarette flavors, we will engage in further discussions. In order to avoid any unintended consequences on smoking rates, we will carefully consider any restrictive measures."

 

The government stated in a declaration that the Tobacco and E-cigarette Act grants it regulatory authority, including the potential to restrict flavor types in the future, with the aim of reducing the appeal of e-cigarettes to children.

 

The statement further pointed out that flavors like "cotton candy" or "gummy bear" should not exist, as these flavors are not necessary for smoking cessation and clearly appeal to minors.

 

However, the government also acknowledges that taste has played an important role in helping adult smokers transition to e-cigarettes.

 

We understand that e-cigarettes are smoking cessation tools for adults, with flavor being one of the important factors to consider.

 

Therefore, the government has stated that following the bill receiving Royal Assent, they will promptly launch further public consultations in order to gather more opinions and evidence before the actual restrictions are implemented.

 

Supporters of the petition claim that the government has underestimated the appeal of flavors to adult users and are calling for the public to provide feedback.

 

Mark Oates, founder of We Vape, stated that while it is important to prevent minors from using e-cigarettes, the government should not restrict flavors that adults enjoy. He believes that flavor bans excessively interfere with personal choice and could result in up to 36% of adult users returning to smoking or turning to the black market, weakening the public health benefits of e-cigarettes as harm reduction tools.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Smoking Rates Rise in Australia After Vape Ban, Driven by 18–24 Age Group
Smoking Rates Rise in Australia After Vape Ban, Driven by 18–24 Age Group
According to Roy Morgan data, smoking rates in Australia have increased following the mid-2024 vape ban. Usage of factory-made cigarettes and e-cigarettes rose significantly among the 18–24 age group, offsetting improvements seen in other age groups.
Jul.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Products | New Hookah Devices Enter U.S. Market with Desktop Compatibility as Key Selling Point
Products | New Hookah Devices Enter U.S. Market with Desktop Compatibility as Key Selling Point
U.S. website VapeSourcing has released new hookah-style vapes, following trends from the 2025 Dubai Vape Expo. These devices combine hookah and e-cigarette features, with low nicotine, high puff counts, large capacity, and DTL inhalation. Priced at $17–$20, they are now available online in the U.S.
Jul.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Bangladesh Supreme Court Rejects Lease Appeal, British American Tobacco to Close Dhaka Factory
Bangladesh Supreme Court Rejects Lease Appeal, British American Tobacco to Close Dhaka Factory
British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BAT) will relocate its headquarters from Mohakhali to Ashulia in mid-2025 after the Supreme Court rejected its appeal to extend the Dhaka camp land lease. The move includes the closure of the 61-year-old Dhaka factory. BAT plans a smooth transition and reported a strong Q1 2025 performance of BDT 95.97 billion ($800 million).
Jun.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Orders Supermarkets to Halt Sales of Heated Tobacco Products Amid Advertising Row
UK Orders Supermarkets to Halt Sales of Heated Tobacco Products Amid Advertising Row
The UK has told Sainsbury’s and Morrisons to stop advertising heated tobacco, saying it breaks tobacco laws. The supermarkets disagree but are reviewing the notice. A new bill may soon ban all tobacco and vape ads.
Jun.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Special Report: Legal Uncertainty Wreaks Havoc on Poland’s Tobacco Market
2Firsts Special Report: Legal Uncertainty Wreaks Havoc on Poland’s Tobacco Market
Poland’s new tobacco bans and tax hikes have triggered market chaos and a surge in illicit trade. Experts warn these measures may deter investment, push smokers back to cigarettes, and cloud the industry’s outlook with uncertainty.
Jul.29
PMI Launches IQOS ILUMA i Series in Saudi Arabia to Support a Smoke-Free Future
PMI Launches IQOS ILUMA i Series in Saudi Arabia to Support a Smoke-Free Future
Philip Morris International (PMI) has launched its next-generation heated tobacco products, the IQOS ILUMA i series, in Saudi Arabia, debuting with two devices: ILUMA i PRIME and ILUMA i.
Jul.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai