The European Commission has delayed action on tobacco and nicotine, but countries say it should consider a ban on flavored vapes.
Denmark is leading a charge for a European clampdown on vapes in a move the country says will protect children and young people from harm.
A total of 12 EU health ministers, led by Denmark’s Sophie Løhde, have backed a paper calling on the European Commission to propose new legislation, which could include banning flavored vapes and limiting nicotine content.
They also suggest that social media giants take “greater responsibility” for marketing and sales of vapes on their platforms.
The pressure on the Commission to act on vapes comes after the EU executive delayed its planned reform of tobacco and nicotine rules earlier this year.
The setback triggered a backlash from Belgium’s Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke, who told the European Parliament’s health committee in January that industry lobbying was to blame for the Commission’s inaction.
Yes, I know about prohibition. It always gets brought up. It would be interesting to see how a ban on vapes/cigs today plays out how prohibition did back then. What lengths would people go to to get their nicotine fix? Or would most people just think it’s not worth the time and give it up? Would growing your own tobacco for personal use but a ban of commercial sale mean that only the very dedicated would smoke? I lot of interesting things to consider and thank about.
I think a large and important difference is the ease of back-room manufacturer. Anyone with a boiler can can make some alcohol, but vapes are rather more complicated, no? Cigarettes and other straight up smoking products would still be around, though.