Mark Oates, founder of We Vape, highlighted the alarming ease of purchasing illegal vapes, stating he could buy multiple illegal items within minutes across London. He emphasized that traders are increasingly emboldened by inadequate enforcement of existing laws, allowing them to sell highly potent and illegal products without fear of repercussion from Trading Standards.
Oates criticized the Government's impending Tobacco and Vapes Bill, arguing that without effective enforcement and a self-funding licensing system for retailers, the measures would do little to curb illegal sales, ultimately fostering a black market for vapes instead of solving the problem.
Emphasizing the need for strict regulations, Oates proposed that all vapes should be tested and certified before sale, and urged against banning flavors that help smokers transition away from cigarettes. He insisted such regulations are essential to ensure vaping remains a viable smoking cessation method.
Mark Oates called for a legal framework where vape retailers face licensing fees used to fund Trading Standards, which could ensure that those selling illegal products or to minors are subject to penalties, adding that these measures are crucial to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of the vaping industry.
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