Dr. Colin Mendelsohn, a leading expert in tobacco harm reduction, has issued a stark warning to the UK: avoid the mistakes of Australia when regulating electronic cigarettes. Speaking at the 2024 Global Forum on Nicotine, Mendelsohn highlighted the severe social and economic repercussions of excessively restrictive vape policies, which have fueled a violent black market in Australia. As the UK considers similar regulations, his message is clear—balance is crucial to prevent unintended and costly consequences.
On June 13, during his acceptance speech for the Michael Russell Award at the 2024 Global Forum on Nicotine (GFN), Dr. Colin Mendelsohn emphasized the dangers of strict regulations on electronic cigarettes.
Dr. Mendelsohn recalled how excessive restrictions could lead to catastrophic consequences, citing the case of Australia, where prohibitive policies have resulted in a violent black market controlled by criminal gangs. “History has shown that severe restrictions on a popular product simply drive it to the black market,” stated Mendelsohn, highlighting the importance of balancing regulation with harm reduction strategies to avoid repeating costly mistakes.
The UK at Risk
For over a decade, the UK has been a global example of effective public policies based on the paradigm of smoking harm reduction and scientific evidence. However, as the country prepares for a general election, both the Labour Party and the Conservatives are considering implementing strict regulations on electronic cigarettes through the proposed Tobacco and Vaping Bill.
This bill aims to limit flavor options and impose a new high vape tax in addition to the existing 20% VAT. However, the potential outcomes of such measures can be observed through the lens of Australia’s strict e-cigarette policies.
Dr. Colin Mendelsohn, founding president of the Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association, has highlighted the adverse effects of these severe regulations at the Global Forum on Nicotine.
“History has shown that severe restrictions on a popular product simply drive it to the black market. People find other ways to get it,” commented Mendelsohn. Indeed, Australia’s regulations are so restrictive that they have effectively created a prohibition environment, leading to a thriving and violent black market.
In Australia, criminal gangs dominate the vape market, resulting in frequent arson attacks on shops, homicides, and extortion. According to Dr. Mendelsohn, “90% of vape products in Australia are illicit and unregulated.”
As it stands, strict policies have not only failed to reduce youth vaping but have had the opposite effect: Australia now has one of the highest rates of youth vaping in the Western world.
“History has shown that severe restrictions on a popular product simply drive it to the black market. People find other ways to get it.
In Australia, the regulations on electronic cigarettes are so burdensome that they are effectively banned. Now there is a thriving and violent black market. Arson attacks are common. People are being murdered.
The government has effectively handed control of the market to organized crime, and rival gangs are engaged in a territorial war to control market share.”
Dr. Mendelsohn warns the UK about similar unintended consequences if it proceeds with the proposed Tobacco and Vaping Bill. Restrictive measures, he argues, are likely to push the e-cigarette market to the black market, as seen in Australia, where prohibitionist policies have led to violence and chaos.
“Politicians have a responsibility to understand the likely real-world effects of the policies they are promoting,” says Mendelsohn. “When policy fails, the monetary or otherwise costs can be significant.”
Although the Tobacco and Vaping Bill did not survive the pre-election wash-up in the UK, both major parties have indicated their willingness to revive it after the elections.
A Lesson for All
Mendelsohn’s insights serve as a fable. He emphasizes that the UK has been a world leader in tobacco harm reduction through sensible and evidence-based policies that have significantly reduced smoking rates and improved public health. The proposed draconian measures threaten to undermine this progress.
Australia’s experience underscores the importance of balancing regulation with harm-reduction strategies. Prohibitive policies often lead to unregulated markets controlled by criminal entities, resulting in increased violence and public health risks.
As the UK contemplates its next steps, it should consider these lessons carefully to avoid replicating Australia’s costly mistakes. Dr. Mendelsohn concludes that “these proposed policies must be carefully re-evaluated before it is too late.” This perspective urges UK lawmakers to proceed cautiously, recognizing that well-intentioned but excessively restrictive measures can lead to greater social and economic harm.
