This information, which comes directly to us from a Spanish daily, is cause for concern for the vaping community in Europe. Following an investigation by ANCE (National Association of E-cigarettes Spain), it turns out that the Spanish market has suffered a real crash in 12 months.
"A year ago there were 3.000 stores selling e-cigarettes in Spain, but now the number is closer to just 300"
A shocking observation! " There was a very intense attack by the pharmaceutical companies that generated bad publicity in the media“, Declared the vice-president ANCE Alejandro Rodríguez to the Spanish newspaper“ El Confidencial ”.
We also learn that according to some leaked emails from the pharmaceutical company "Glaxo Smith Kline", the company has been lobbying for stricter regulation of e-cigarettes. According to emails from the company, she wants e-cig products that have been advertised as a way to quit smoking to be regulated as drugs as they would compete with products like nicotine gum.
Spain has yet to adopt such regulations, but has banned the use of electronic cigarettes in public places like hospitals and schools because of their possible health risks.
But the ANCE spokesperson also conceded that “ too many stores have opened in Spain in too short a period. Many salespeople were inexperienced and did not know how to advise their clients“Said Rodriguez.
An Italian shop owner who arrived in Spain nine months ago to open an e-cigarette store told "El Confidencial" newspaper that he was shocked to see three stores 200 meters away on a Madrid street.
« Madness ! As soon as I saw the number of stores, I realized that it smelled bad! »
«There was a boom for the product here, people thought it was a magic wand to quit smoking, and no (it wasn't). It seemed like the market was endless and there would be enough for everyone, and now it can't be denied that many of our customers have returned to tobacco, although no one is going to admit it. "Said the shop owner.
ANCE claims some 900.000 Spanish vapers, but no official statistics are available. Under Spain's anti-smoking law, one of the strictest in Europe, smoking is prohibited in bars, restaurants, nightclubs, casinos, airports, as well as in outdoor areas such as hospitals and playgrounds. for children.
Find the original article on http://www.thelocal.es
