Haypp Supports Vape Licensing in New Tobacco & Vapes Bill as a Win for Responsible Businesses
A Major Step for Law-Abiding Vape Retailers
Haypp has welcomed the UK government’s decision to include powers to implement a licensing scheme for retailers of tobacco, vape, and nicotine products in the recently introduced Tobacco & Vapes Bill, applicable in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Haypp sees this move as a significant win for law-abiding vape businesses that have long advocated for stricter regulations to prevent illegal sales, particularly to minors, and to curb the growth of a black market.
Creating a Fair Market for Responsible Businesses
Markus Lindblad, Head of Communications at Haypp, expressed the company’s support for the decision, highlighting Haypp’s commitment to a safe and regulated marketplace.
“
We have long called for a licensing system that would enable a level playing field, where responsible businesses can thrive without being undercut by those who sell irresponsibly or unlawfully,
”
He emphasized that Haypp stands behind a regulatory framework reinforced by substantial fines to discourage non-compliant retailers and distributors. "The proposal for fines of at least £10,000 for retailers and £100,000 for distributors who engage in underage or illicit vape sales would be a crucial deterrent," he added, noting that the system could generate millions annually to support enforcement efforts across the country.
Refocusing the Industry on Healthier Alternatives
“This licensing development allows us to refocus the vape industry on its core purpose: supporting adult smokers in quitting by switching to safer alternatives,” Lindblad said. Haypp is prepared to work closely with the government to ensure that the licensing scheme is well-designed and effective.
Collaborating on a Framework for Responsible Vape Sales
Earlier this year, industry leaders—including Haypp—contributed to the creation of a proposed licensing framework after comprehensive consultations with representatives from the retail sector, trade associations, regulatory authorities, and consumer groups. The current absence of a licensing system has allowed vape products to be sold not only in specialized stores but also in a range of retailers, from convenience shops to takeaways. This has created opportunities for unscrupulous actors to evade detection by regulators and continue selling to minors and distributing illicit products.
Balancing Regulations on Flavours and Packaging
The Tobacco & Vapes Bill also introduces new government powers to limit flavours, displays, and packaging for vapes. Lindblad noted that Haypp is interested in understanding the specifics of these powers, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that protects youth and curbs illegal products while preserving vaping as a cessation tool for adults.
“
Flavours are essential to the success of vaping as a harm reduction tool, so we advocate for targeting inappropriate flavour names, rather than restricting flavors themselves. Flavours are essential to the success of vaping as a harm reduction tool, so we advocate for targeting inappropriate flavour names, rather than restricting flavours themselves,
”
Licensing as the Path to a Healthier Future
Concluding, Lindblad reiterated that licensing offers the best path forward to address both youth vaping and black-market issues without penalizing adult smokers who choose vapes as an alternative.
The Department of Health and Social Care has also announced a new smoking ban aimed at protecting children and vulnerable populations, reinforcing the importance of this latest regulatory step.
The Department of Health and Social Care has also announced a new smoking ban aimed at protecting children and vulnerable populations, reinforcing the importance of this latest regulatory step.
Markus Lindblad
Published
2024-11-05
