My husband successfully quit smoking after many years, and vaping has been a crucial part of his journey. However, the recent proposal to introduce a significant tax on vape juice could threaten his progress. This tax, aimed at dissuading vaping among youths, inadvertently penalizes former smokers like my husband who rely on it as a harm reduction strategy.

Vaping has been widely accepted as a less harmful alternative to smoking. According to Public Health England, vaping is at least 95% less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes. By imposing this tax, we risk discouraging people from pursuing a healthier lifestyle change.

Moreover, this tax is not affordable for most of the vaping community. A significant number of people, especially from low-income groups who have turned to vaping, will find it increasingly difficult to maintain their newfound healthier habits. This proposed tax will disproportionately affect these communities, who can’t easily absorb yet another financial burden.

We need to implement fair and balanced regulations that focus on keeping vaping products out of young people's hands while still supporting adults who use these products to quit smoking. Education and targeted enforcement should be our primary strategies—not punishing those who are seeking positive lifestyle changes.

We urge lawmakers to reconsider this harmful tax and instead work with public health experts to create policies that protect nonsmokers and support smokers looking to quit effectively.

Join us in calling for a balanced approach that promotes public health and allows adult vapers to continue their journey towards a smoke-free life. Please sign this petition to stop the vape tax and support those who are making strides towards healthier living.