12 member states push for EU to rush a ban on flavoured vapes.
Respect Vapers believes this is an unforgivable error.
A big thank you to Respect Vapers supporters for contacting your local election candidates and MEP candidates in your area to make sure the voice of 320,000 vapers is heard and public representatives support the role of flavoured vapes in helping us quit smoking.
Our campaign continues as Denmark is leading a charge for the EU to rush through a European clampdown on flavoured vapes in a move to protect children.
Twelve countries, including Ireland, say it should consider a ban on flavoured vapes. They call on the European Commission to propose new legislation to include banning flavoured vapes.
Respect Vapers is disappointed that the Irish Minister for Health supports this ‘breakaway campaign.’
The EU would better serve European citizens by taking on board Sweden’s campaign which will shortly see the country become smoke-free. Flavoured vapes that helped smokers quit have been recognised for their contribution to this national achievement.
According to leading addiction expert, Dr Garett McGovern, making it harder to quit smoking by putting a price on people or making alternative products so unattractive that no one wants to use them is not the solution to tobacco reduction.
Clive Bates, an independent public health expert, sees it as an attempt by some health ministers to impose tobacco policy measures that member states cannot agree on in their own jurisdictions.
The Minister needs to listen to the people, particularly those who have successfully quit smoking, thanks to flavoured vapes.
What can you do to help?
We wrote to the Department of Health flagging our concerns with the proposals and urging them to reconsider their stance on flavoured vapes. Help Respect Vapers by contacting your local TD or by writing to the Minister for Health and let them know how a flavour ban would impact you.