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Vaping drives profits as tobacco sales decline in convenience stores
A study by the University of Edinburgh reveals that vaping products generate significantly higher profits for convenience stores than tobacco, with a profit margin of 37.1% compared to 8.5%. Over the past three years, vape sales in these stores have surged nine-fold, while tobacco transactions have dropped by nearly 40%.
The findings indicate a shift in consumer behaviour, with fewer people smoking and more turning to vaping. Chief Executive of Action on Health Hazel Cheeseman said that tobacco is a dying product delivering dwindling sales for retailers, with vapes offering a more attractive offer for both consumer and salesperson.
Cheeseman added that this must come with tighter regulations on vape sales to curb appeal to minors and eliminate rogue sellers, but said responsible retailers should welcome these.
The proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to restrict tobacco sales to younger generations, limit sweet vape flavours, and ban advertising, aligning with current tobacco restrictions. Further environmental measures will ban disposable vapes by mid-2025.
Source: Daily Mail, 8 January 2025
See also: ASH PR: Vapes four times more profitable to convenience stores than tobacco
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Anti-smoking pill could offer new path to quitting vaping, study suggests
A recent study has identified the anti-smoking drug varenicline, alongside text message-based interventions, as promising tools for helping individuals quit vaping.
The review of nine trials involving over 5,000 participants found varenicline, also known as Champix, effective in tripling the odds of quitting smoking, making it the most effective intervention for smoking alongside text based messaging highlighting the importance of tailored cessation strategies. There is also the potential for the drug to support people with vaping cessation as well. However, experts stress the need for further research to confirm these findings.
Source: Daily Mail, 8 January 2025 See also: Cochrane Review: Interventions for quitting vaping
• ASH webinar and resources on varenicline and cytisine
• NCSCT guidance on using varenicline
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Funding boost to support smoking cessation in Worcestershire
The Government has allocated funds to Worcestershire as part of a £70 million national initiative to help individuals quit smoking, coinciding with New Year’s resolutions to adopt healthier lifestyles. Smoking prevalence in the county remains significant, with over 10% of residents still smoking. Evidence suggests individuals are three times more likely to quit successfully with formal support programmes, which this funding aims to enhance. Local MP Dame Harriett Baldwin welcomed the investment as part of broader efforts to reduce smoking rates, following the Government's phased measures to eventually eliminate smoking.
Source: Worcester News, 8 January 2025
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Tobacco and Vapes Bill has first sitting of Committee Stage
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is currently at committee stage in the house of commons. Yesterday (7th Jan) experts provided evidence to committee members regarding details of the bill. Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of ASH gave evidence alongside CMO’s for the four nations and regional Chief executives from ASH in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
This was followed by a second sitting which saw evidence from public health and trading standards experts, academic experts and representatives from Royal Colleges.
A full transcript of the first session is available here.
A full transcript of the second session is available here.
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