The fact that such a debate is taking place is an “indication that politicians are taking vaping and the contribution and concerns of IBVTA members’ businesses seriously.”

Electronic Cigarettes (Regulation) Bill (HC Bill 59) was put forward by Sir Christopher Chope MP, and is a Private Members’ Bill. “Private Members’ Bills are introduced by MPs who are not representatives of the Government, and are often an opportunity to discuss an area of policy which has not received much attention within the House of Commons,” explained the IBVTA (Independent British Vape Trade Association) on its website, whilst adding that because of this, such bills are not usually taken very seriously.

The IBVTA explained that MPs therefore do not necessarily draft such bills in order to attempt changing legislation, but more so to start a debate on a particular topic. The aim of Bill 59 is to “Make provision for the regulation of the sale and use of electronic cigarettes; to exempt electronic cigarettes from UK law derived from the Tobacco Products Directive; and for connected purposes.”

An important step forward

The Vape Trade Association concluded by pointing out that as it continues to engage with politicians to fight for the rights of the vaping industry, it is not expecting this bill to be passed. However, it believes that just the fact that it is being proposed and debated is “an important step forward and another indication that politicians are taking vaping and the contribution and concerns of IBVTA members’ businesses seriously.”