Introduction

My name is Robert Sidebottom, I am the Managing Director of Arcus Compliance Ltd (LinkedIn), I have been involved in the vape industry for 8 years in the theatres of regulatory compliance and formerly vape manufacturing. I watched a very close friend of mine die of a smoking related cancer and like many in our industry I firmly believe that vaping products save lives. Arcus Compliance are heading up the Vape Protection Alliance on behalf of a significant core of UK vape businesses to ensure sensible regulation and for the benefit of millions of smokers who are yet to switch to the significantly safer alternative of vaping.

Summary

The recent announcement by the UK Conservative Government, aimed at creating a smoke-free generation and curbing youth vaping, has left the UK Vape Industry in a state of uncertainty. The absence of clear timelines and a coherent plan raises concerns. The premise of protecting children is based on data showing increased youth access to vape products. However, the proposed ban on disposable vapes and additional restrictions such as limiting flavours overlooks the significant consequences. This oversight endangers hundreds of legitimate businesses and perpetuates the misconception that vaping is equally harmful as smoking.

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The Vape Protection Alliance (VPA) is a group of forward-thinking businesses that have committed to supporting this action in phases, the first phase is to raise £15,000 for a King's Counsel Barrister (KC) to provide expert legal advice and direction on the best course of action to challenge the Government appropriately.

What are we trying to achieve?

Our case has the potential to make a significant difference to the hundreds of legitimate vape business in the UK,  while also saving lives by ensuring that these life changing vape products remain an attractive accessible product to adult former smokers. It is important to note that supporters of this action are not looking to prevent a ban of disposable vape products but to work with the government on sensible measures and timescales to phase them out, ensure former smokers have access to a broad range of flavours,  prevent the illegal market from growing any further and to assist the Government in forming more sensible regulations such as putting vape products into a licensing scheme.   

• Phase out disposables over a reasonable timeframe allowing a reasonable sell-out period.
• Maintain flavours, described in a reasonable and adult manner.
• Maintain open display and sales in specialist retail outlets (vape shops).
• Ensure that closed pods are permitted.

What is the next step in the case?

We will be challenging the government on their lack of evidence, failure to directly consult with the industry, failure to enforce on the existing regulations, the threat and impact on legitimate vape businesses in terms of their collective right to run their businesses without interference and the clear and present danger to the health of former smokers by further restricting access to these life changing products particularly with regards to access to a broad range of flavours.

How much we are raising and why?

We need to raise c.£75,000 should we also proceed to phase 2, which is permission to proceed by the courts.  

This is a critical time for the vape industry and the lives of former smokers. 

Thank you for your support.