£10m not enough to enforce new vape licensing system, warns industry expert

As the MPs voted overwhelmingly in favour of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill after its second reading on Tuesday, an expert warned that there are still some key issues that need to be addressed at the committee stage, including the proposed £10 million funding for enforcement.

“The £10m is certainly welcome, and a good start, but it will not be enough to effectively enforce the new vape retail licensing system and address the blackmarket for vapes,” said Markus Lindblad, nicotine retail expert from Haypp.com.

“The main issue we see coming down the tracks is a potential increase in black market vape activity driven by the disposable vape ban. In order to combat this, more funding will be required to enable authorities to correctly carry out the necessary enforcement of the ban.”

Lindblad said Haypp has long supported the need for a robust licensing system for retailers of vapes, nicotine pouches and tobacco products in the UK, but wanted to see appropriate penalties and enforcement mechanisms.

“The licensing system will only be effective if there are tough financial penalties for rule breakers and the enforcement authorities are resourced sufficiently to do their job. We strongly believe this funding will not be strong enough to tackle a potentially growing black market,” he said.

“Our most recent annual Vape Report asked vape users where they bought their first vape, and extraordinarily only 54 per cent of UK vapers legally purchased their first vape. We welcome the passage of the Bill and believe that appropriately funding enforcement agencies will and ultimately decrease the risks of underage vape use and untested products hitting the markets.

“We hope that an increase in funding made available for enforcement will be considered by the government.”