Convenience retailers are 'undermining disposable vapes ban'
Convenience stores are accused of circumventing the disposable vape ban by prioritizing device sales over refill access, driving consumers back to frequent purchases.Summary
Vape Club reports that the recent ban on disposable vapes has successfully encouraged consumers to switch to reusable systems, but this shift is hampered by limited access to refills in convenience stores. Dan Marchant, director of Vape Club, argues that these retailers are exploiting loopholes in regulations by stocking devices without providing corresponding refills, effectively negating the ban's intended effect. He urges the government to close this loophole to ensure the environmental and economic benefits of the ban are realized. Vape Club has observed a significant increase in sales of pre-filled pod kits (158%) and 2ml closed-pod devices (116%) since the ban. However, the company also warns that a potential ban on flavored vapes could discourage smokers from quitting, as 89% of vapers and 76% of those quitting smoking rely on flavored options. Furthermore, upcoming vape taxes, potentially raising prices by 75%, could push consumers towards the black market, particularly impacting lower-income vapers who initially switched from smoking due to cost savings.
(Source：Talking Retail)
