Flavor Bans Threaten Smoke-Free Ambitions

Time:2024-06-06 Views:166

The Tholos Foundation has launched three white papers exposing the risks of banning

flavors in vaping products at an event in Brussels hosted by Parliament Magazine and

featuring contributions from Swedish MEP Johan Nissinen. The reports cover the impact of

flavor bans in the real world and best practices to educate adult smokers and restrict

underage usage and analyzes the public response to the European Commission’s 2023 public

consultation.

Surveys commissioned by the Tholos Foundation and conducted by Ipsos in multiple countries

have shown that a significant majority of vapers use flavors other than tobacco to help

reduce and quit smoking. Notably, 83 percent of vapers in Germany stated that flavors are

crucial in their decision to vape, with similar high percentages reported in Belgium, the

Netherlands and Sweden. The research also showed that, in countries where flavors were

banned, many vapers went back to smoking or for black market alternatives and references

numerous scientific studies confirming that flavors are essential for the effectiveness of

vaping products in smoking cessation.

With European elections due to take place shortly, the Tholos Foundation believes it is

imperative policymakers take heed of voters’ concerns and reject extensive restrictions

on smoking alternatives.

“The evidence is clear: Flavors in vaping products are critical to helping smokers quit,

” said co-author Tim Andrews in a statement. “Banning flavors will create a black market

and drive people back to smoking. Our reports offer an evidence-based approach that

combines rigorous law enforcement, education and technological innovations to reduce

underage experimentation while preserving the benefits for adult smokers.

“With the European elections approaching, it is crucial for policymakers to understand

the importance of harm reduction strategies. Our findings support a balanced approach that

protects public health and helps smokers transition to safer alternatives.”

The Tholos Foundation is an international nongovernmental organization, affiliated with

Americans for Tax Reform, dedicated to advocating for consumers.