Almost one in five vapers plan to revert to cigarettes after vaping ban
Over a third of vapers (38%) in Northern Ireland do not believe the incoming ban on disposable vapes will change their vaping habits, a new survey has revealed.
Similarly, 31% of those surveyed said they will not stop vaping, but will switch to refillable vapes instead.
The study, conducted by Confused.com, surveyed 500 adults across the UK who vape, to establish if the ban on the sale and supply of disposable vapes, starting on 1st June, will affect their smoking habits.
Nearly one in five (18%) of UK vapers surveyed plan to use alternative nicotine products to manage their addiction, while almost a quarter (24%) will switch to refillable vapes.
Looking at Northern Ireland figures, 46% stated they had started vaping to stop smoking but still smoke now, while 15% said they are currently trying to quit vaping.
Notably, 15% of vapers in the region said they would plan to stop vaping when the ban comes into force and would use cigarettes instead, with 8% saying they would use nicotine pouches instead.
In terms of adequate support being available for people trying to stop vaping, 31% of Northern Ireland vapers surveyed said they felt the support available was more than adequate, with 38% stating describing it as adequate.
Additionally, 67% of Northern Ireland vapers spend between £10 and £15 per week on vaping, with 8% spending less than £10.
1.65 million people in the UK are currently using disposable vapes, with the study revealing one in five (19%) vapers could go back to smoking.
According to the wider data for UK respondents, nearly three in 10 (29%) people who started to vape to help them stop smoking, no longer smoke at all. One in three vapers (33%) started between the ages of 18 and 25, while one in 50 (2%) were under 18. Around one in five (21%) began between ages 21 and 30, around one in six (17%) between 31 and 40, and just under three in 10 (28%) started at 41 or older. Interestingly, the most popular starting age for both men (33%) and women (33%) is 18 to 25.
Around three in five (59%) vapers are spending up to £20 per week on disposables, whilst one in 33 (3%) are spending more than £50. The age group 35 to 44-year-olds are spending the most on disposables, with nearly one in five (19%) claiming they spend up to £30 per week.
The highest percentage of people spending more than £50 per week falls into the 25 to 34-year-old category – just over one in 20 (6%).
Although disposable vaping products will be banned, refillable vapes will be available, with nearly one in four (24%) saying they will switch to those instead. One in four men (27%) plan on switching to refillable vapes, compared to one in five (21%) women.
Life insurance expert at Confused.com, Tom Vaughan said it was “refreshing to see many people who vape intend to use the ban as a springboard to try and quit permanently”.
“Particularly with the financial and health implications of maintaining the habit. We’ve had a significant increase in smokers’ policies for life insurance, which are extremely important for family security and future prospects,” added Tom.
