UK e-liquid maker Riot Labs is challenging proposed UK restrictions on vape packaging, appearance, and retail displays, arguing that requiring vape products to be hidden from view could discourage smokers from switching. The company’s comments follow an open letter circulated by the National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training (NCSCT), with support from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), calling on the government to implement proposed restrictions in full. The consultation closes Oct. 2.
The proposals would require vape products to use plain white packaging, limit device colors to black, white, or gray, and require products to be kept out of sight at retail locations. Riot Labs Chief Executive Ben Johnson said the company supports measures including licensing vape retailers, stronger enforcement of age restrictions, and restrictions on youth-oriented packaging and marketing, but opposes applying tobacco-style display requirements to specialist vape shops. ASH’s consultation guide says it is concerned that a total display ban could undermine the role of vaping in smoking cessation, while also supporting the proposed restrictions.
Riot Labs cited its own Freedom of Information research covering 21 Trading Standards services, which it said found substantial differences in the frequency of underage-sales testing. The company also cited ASH survey data showing that 61% of smokers who have never vaped believe vaping is as harmful as smoking or more harmful, compared with 27% in 2019. The NCSCT and ASH have separately cited public support for restrictions on youth-oriented vape packaging and marketing.