"Demonization" of e-cigarettes may make them more appealing to young people, Holyrood's health committee heard evidence that over-regulation of e-cigarettes could clearly be counterproductive especially when we see their ability to help smokers to quit smoking.
The Scottish Parliament is currently considering a Scottish Government bill which seeks to introduce restrictions on the sale and marketing of personal vaporizers such as e-cigarettes. In these restrictions we would find a minimum age of 18 years for the purchase and a limitation on advertising and promotions.
Mike MacKenzie, SNP MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said he was concerned about the "disparity" between data from healthcare professionals on the potential benefits of e-cigarettes and the negative public perception of the same products. With his personal experience as a vapoteur, he welcomes the precautionary principle taken in relation to advertising but still wonders if it would not be possible to have a more positive attitude towards the e-cigarette.
« I haven't touched a cigarette in over three years, and to me it's nothing short of a miracle in that I've been a heavy smoker for a very long time. " , said Mr. MacKenzie. He also took the opportunity to tell the committee that he had started smoking at the age of 11 only out of curiosity.
« The other impulse I guess was what you might call the Garden of Eden impulse, since like many people I have never been able to resist the lure of the forbidden fruit.". " To those people who are overly cautious about these products, I would urge them to take this factor into consideration because if we demonize these products, we run the risk of making them even more appealing to the people we do not want to see them use ( young people) »
John Lee, director of public affairs at the Scottish Federation of Food Shops, said that “ any ban on e-cigarette advertising would be "very counterproductive“, He also declared“ Public chat
a personal note, I think the bill is already a little behind. We have been able to have new evidence of public health in England that is now starting to highlight the potential health benefits of these products. »
To Guy Parker, CEO of the Advertising Standards Authority “ the advertising ban would send a message to the whole world clearly stating that e-cigarettes are as bad as tobacco"
Mark Feeney for its part declared: " This product is potentially a great public health prize, we just have to be careful to maximize it without exposing young people and non-smokers »
Source : glasgowsouthandeastwoodextra.co.uk
