Nine in ten e-cigarettes shops break own retail rules

E-cigarettes are being sold to non-smokers, putting them at risk of becoming addicted to nicotine, a report warns.

An investigation by the Royal Society of Public Health found nine of ten retailers happily sold them to customers who had never smoked – contravening their own retail guidelines.

Shirley Cramer, chief executive of the RSPH, last night warned that non-smokers who use e-cigarettes risk becoming addicted to nicotine.

E-cigarettes are being sold to non-smokers, putting them at risk of becoming addicted to nicotine

‘E-cigarettes are an effective smoking cessation aid, and should be marketed and used solely as a harm reduction tool for smokers,’ she said.

‘However our investigation has revealed that many vape retailers are turning a blind eye to their use by non-smokers, and effectively pushing them as a lifestyle product.

‘Given the uncertain effects of some substances used in e-liquids, and the potential for the creation of unnecessary nicotine addiction, this represents a potential problem that should be nipped in the bud before it develops.’

Her organisation’s report marks a turning point in the British medical establishment’s approach to e-cigarettes.

Experts in this country have vehemently supported the technology, which they insist offers cigarette smokers a crucial and effective way to quit tobacco.

Critics in the US and in parts of Europe have been more cautious, pointing out that while e-cigarettes are a useful quit-smoking aid, they are often marketed to non-smokers.

Other experts have expressed concern that the health impact of e-cigarettes are largely unknown – and while that is not a major problem for ex-smokers because the devices are clearly safer than smoking tobacco, it is unwise for non-smokers to use them because of the unknown risk.

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British health experts have until now played down these concerns – repeatedly insisting that very few people who ‘vape’ are non-smokers.

But the RSPH report reveals that vaping shops are ‘pushing’ the devices on those who have never smoked.

The Independent British Vape Trade Association code of conduct clearly states that e-cigarettes should never be sold to people who have never smoked or vaped.

But the RSPH undercover investigation into 100 of the UK’s 1,700 specialist vape shops found 87 per cent of stores were knowingly or unwittingly prepared to sell e-cigarettes to just these people.

They found 45 per cent of stores did not check whether new customers were current or former smokers.

And 76 per cent of those that did check continued to encourage the customer to start vaping, even once they knew they were a non-smoker.

Footage from the investigation showed one retailer recommending a customer, who told him she did not smoke, choose a vaping liquid with 6mg nicotine content rather than 0mg, in order to trigger a ‘hit at the back of the throat’.

E-cigarettes contain a liquid form of nicotine that is heated into vapour to be inhaled, avoiding the harm caused by tobacco smoke.

Nearly 3 million adults in Britain have used e-cigarettes in the decade they have been on the market.

Health experts agree that the devices are much safer than smoking tobacco – and the gadgets are thought to have helped 22,000 people quit smoking each year.

 Nearly 3 million adults in Britain have used e-cigarettes in the decade they have been on the market

But many are concerned about unresolved safety concerns, while others are worried they provide a ‘gateway’ for teenagers to go on to smoke tobacco.

The market is booming, with 650 of Britain’s 1,700 vape shops opening last year alone.

The RSPH said last night: ‘RSPH has some concerns about the potential appeal of vaping to non-smokers, fuelled by an increase in vape shops on high streets and the possibility for non-smokers to become nicotine dependent through using e-cigarettes.

‘While e-cigarettes are now regarded as a safer alternative for smokers, there remain uncertainties about their long term risks and therefore RSPH would be concerned at non-smokers beginning to vape.’

Deborah Arnott, chief executive of the charity Action on Smoking and Health, last night called on the vaping industry to get its house in order.

She said: ‘There is an opportunity for vape shops to be public health allies not enemies but they need to get their house in order to fully realise that opportunity.’

Richard Hyslop, chief executive of the Independent British Vape Trade Association, said: ‘Vape products should not be marketed to non-smokers or those under the age of 18.

‘However, figures produced by organisations such as the Office for National Statistics and ASH demonstrate that over 90 per cent of vapers in the UK are adult current or former smokers, therefore we do not believe this to be a significant problem.’