Vaping Trends Among Non-Smokers: How Retailers Can Promote Responsible Use
A New Study on Non-Smokers and Vaping: Retailers’ Responsibility in the Changing Market.
A recent study published in The Lancet Public Health sheds light on vaping trends among adults in England who never regularly smoked. While vaping serves as a valuable smoking cessation tool, concerns remain about its uptake among non-smokers. This article explores the findings of this study and highlights why retailers should continue to promote vaping as a safer alternative for current smokers.
VSL Trade does not encourage non-smokers to use vaping products. Vapes are intended as tools to help smokers quit, and recent data from the Office for National Statistics confirms that vaping plays a significant role in reducing smoking rates across the UK. Our commitment remains to offer retailers products that support adult smokers in their journey to quit while promoting responsible use within the industry.
According to UKVIA’s Director General, John Dunne, the purpose of vaping is clear: it’s designed as an aid for smokers seeking to quit. The study, however, categorises non-smokers as individuals who haven’t smoked for over a year, raising questions about the definition of a non-smoker. As Dunne notes, some individuals are predisposed to nicotine use due to genetic factors and life circumstances. Before vaping, these individuals often turned to smoking. Now, many are experimenting with vaping, which is markedly less harmful than smoking.
Vaping can play a major role in reducing smoking rates by providing a safer alternative.
Retailers can support smoking cessation by offering a range of vape products tailored to current smokers.
While there is a push to restrict vaping among non-smokers, evidence indicates that vaping is contributing to the decline in smoking rates. According to the Office for National Statistics, smoking prevalence in the UK has hit an all-time low of under 12%. Countries that allow vaping, like the UK, report faster declines in cigarette use. Conversely, countries where vaping is banned, like Australia, report slower progress in reducing smoking rates. By educating customers on the benefits of vaping for smokers, retailers can help drive positive public health outcomes.
As vaping continues to emerge as an effective smoking cessation tool, it’s essential for retailers to promote it responsibly, ensuring it is used primarily by smokers. Through careful messaging, retailers can help support the UK’s declining smoking rates while addressing public health concerns. By aligning with industry recommendations, retailers can continue to provide smokers with a safer alternative and contribute to a smoke-free future.
