‘Ban smoking for good’ campaign unites smokers and vapers in rapid wave of revulsion

That escalated quickly.

The news that a leading vaping retailer has launched a campaign urging the Scottish Government to “ban smoking for good” prompted a wave of revulsion on social media yesterday that united smokers and vapers alike.

Based on Twitter responses, groups that opposed VPZ’s initiative included Forest, INNCO (International Network of Nicotine Consumer Organisations) and CASAA (Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association).

Individuals who stood up to be counted included smokers, dual users and ex-smokers/current vapers). Here are some of their tweets responding to VPZ's ill-advised campaign:

Clowns. Quite apart from denying all of us the choice to smoke or not, these muppets are also legitimising the idea that those in govt should decide which products we can or cannot use. There are plenty in the anti-tobacco lobby who would love to see the back of vaping, too. (Rob Lyons, former deputy editor, Spiked)

You’re in for a rude awakening when you find out what those who support a complete ban on smoking usually think about e-cigarette regulation. Don’t force people to switch - encourage them by providing safer, more appealing alternatives. Carrots are better than sticks. (Daniel Pryor, head of research, Adam Smith Institute)

Banning smoking "outright" is not revolutionary thinking. Instead, it's part and parcel of the failed #DrugWar and ripe for abuse. Try not being anti-smoker and stick to promoting solutions instead of creating new problems. (Alex Clark, CEO, CASAA)

Others noted:

I've been vaping for years and have far more respect and tolerance than you. The anti smoking brigade will soon be targeting vapers - and so you. If you think this message will placate them - you're incredibly stupid. (Mark Butcher)

Yeah, encouraging bans will work out well for vaping in the end, I'm sure. How about insisting that the government share the truth about the benefits of low-risk nicotine products, and let consumers decide which one is best? (Jim McDonald)

Yikes! I'm all for tobacco harm reduction and promoting vaping as a much less harmful alternative to smoking, but calling for a ban on smoking is taking it too far. I think you should reconsider. (Jukka Kelovuori)

Vapers fighting for the "right to vape" shouldn't be campaigning to take away other's "right to smoke." With that messaging, the anti-smoking public really just hears "vapers support the government making choices for adults" and "our addiction is better than their addiction." (Kristin Noll-Marsh)

God I hate being a vaper in times like this. It doesn't matter whether you work in tobacco control or you are a vaper, prohibition is for fools and dickheads. (Paul McNamara)

It’s a nasty, vile campaign of health fascism. Really detracts from what should be a positive association with vaping. (Rory Meakin)

Meanwhile, responding to Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock, the former footballer who is the face of VPZ’s campaign (brave choice!), Chris Snowdon, head of the Lifestyle Economics Unit at the Institute of Economic Affairs, tweeted:

Ex-smokers are the worst anti-smokers. As an ex-smoker, it gives me no pleasure to say this.

Analysing these and other comments, together with the various ‘likes’ and retweets, suggests that VPZ has not only scored an own goal but has unwittingly unleashed a powerful coalition opposed to prohibition.

Sadly that coalition doesn’t appear to include John Dunne, director general of the UK Vaping Industry Association, who surprised me by ‘liking’ and retweeting the VPZ tweet below.

I like John but I do wonder what he's playing at.

My own view, for what it’s worth, is that by supporting a complete ban on smoking in Scotland he risks damaging the image of the vaping industry, which he represents.

Advocating prohibition is rarely a good look (or wise) and if John thinks that’s the way forward he may be shocked by the outcome.

In fact, I’d be amazed if it wins the vaping industry even an ounce of credit in Scotland because even anti-smoking campaigners can see it for what it is.

As Simon Cooke, a former councillor and blogger, tweeted:

This isn't a campaign it is a PR stunt to promote a vaping company. I find it very distasteful.

Hear, hear.