Why Vapes Are Definitely Not Going Away Anytime Soon

To hear what some people are saying in the wake of recent anti-smoking legislation proposed by the government, you might think that it won’t be possible to vape before too long. But that simply isn’t the case. The facts are very different and it is useful to know exactly what is, and isn’t about to change in the coming months.

Firstly, parliament has voted for a bill that will raise the minimum smoking age by one year, every year, until nobody can light up again - cue some amusing images of the last ever smokers with their grey beards and walking sticks many years from now. New Zealand brought in similar legislation, although this was axed after a change of government.

However, as this ascending minimum age will only apply to anyone who is currently 15 or younger (therefore not even old enough to smoke now), you won’t be affected.

What The Rest Of The Bill Involves

The House of Commons voted in favour of this legislation, called the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. A notable feature of the bill is that by the time it reached the vote, the part proposing to ban smoking in pub gardens had been dropped.

For those who have already moved on from smoking to vaping, the ‘vapes’ part of the bill is going to be of greater concern.

Part of this includes outlawing vape advertising and sponsorship, which brings it into line with tobacco (anyone of middle age now will well remember when cigar ads were still allowed on TV and the likes of Rothmans and Benson and Hedges sponsored sports tournaments).

This won’t really affect an established vaper and should be seen in the context of concerns about underage vaping, just as there used to be concerns about underage smoking. Much of this has been focused on bright colours and sweet flavours that may appeal to youngsters.

A second move, to ban vaping in designated smoke-free zones, may be a little more controversial, but hopefully not too onerous.

The Disposable Vape Ban

That leaves a third change, which is more significant, as disposable vapes will be banned in England, Wales and Scotland from July 1st next year. This had already been announced in October.

However, that announcement should not be seen as a specifically anti-vape move. The issue has been driven in part by extensive concern about littering, especially as the vapes consist partly of plastic - never a material one wants to see floating out to sea and turning wildlife programmes into horror shows - but also lithium batteries.

The lithium issue is doubly concerning, partly because the material is valuable and scarce, and recycling these could be particularly important as drivers have to switch to electric cars in years to come, meaning lots more lithium will be needed for the much bigger batteries required to power them.

Secondly, lithium batteries are getting a reputation for being highly inflammable, so not disposing of them properly can create a great fire risk.

Apart from this, once again there is the concern that disposable vapes are more accessible for youngsters, as they don’t need the kit or the skill to do their own refills to develop and maintain a habit.

How To Respond To The Ban

Apart from anything else, this means there will be a huge disposable clearance sale next summer, so you can stock up and make the most of the last chance to use them.

In the meantime, however, look out for recycling facilities to dispose of your vapes safely, so they can be recycled and no accidental infernos arise. That way, opportunist critics of vaping cannot exploit one last chance to use littering and the dangers of lithium batteries as a stick to beat vapers with.

At the same time, the fact it will be several months before those who only use disposable vapes at present won’t be able to get them means there is plenty of time to start trying out the alternatives - learning to use refill kits, mixing your flavours and discovering something new.

You may even find this is something positive and you find a new flavour combo that is actually nicer than any of your current disposable favourites.

The other thing to understand about vaping is that one thing has not changed; the NHS position remains that it is better for health than smoking, despite the efforts made by some to argue otherwise. That is why the NHS is still promoting vaping as a smoking cessation tool.

In summary, it is fair to say, as the song goes, the times, they are a-changing. But while that means there will be an end to disposable vaping next summer, it certainly doesn’t mean you can’t still vape.