With the country under a new national lockdown, the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has called on the government to consider classifying vape shops as essential retail.
As a number of people resolve to quit smoking in the new year, and with vaping one of the best ways to achieve this, UKVIA said it is “vitally important” that smokers can access the customer service, experience, knowledge and advice that is offered in specialist vape stores during lockdown.
John Dunne, UKVIA Director General, said: “It’s not just about providing a lifeline to vape businesses during lockdown, but also to vapers and smokers for whom vaping represents a life-changing decision.
“Whilst we fully recognise the need for this latest lockdown, as the Covid-19 situation worsens across many parts of the country, the vaping industry should be seen as a sector which provides essential goods and services.
“It continues to be a concern that during lockdowns the risk of passive smoking to the families of smokers is increased. It is therefore vital that the services and expertise of our members remains available at this time.”
