Liverpool vapers share concerns as cost of habit set to rise
Liverpool vapers express worry over upcoming price increases on vaping products due to a new government duty starting in October 2026.Summary
Vapers in Liverpool are concerned about the rising cost of their habit as the UK government prepares to introduce a Vaping Products Duty (VPD) on October 1, 2026. The duty, announced in the 2024 budget, will add £2.20 to every 10ml of e-liquid, plus 20% VAT, making the UK's vaping tax the highest in Europe. The government aims to raise revenue and discourage non-smokers and young people from vaping. Industry figures fear the tax could drive vapers towards unregulated alternatives or back to smoking, especially those who used vaping to quit cigarettes. Vapers interviewed expressed concerns about affordability and the potential for the tax to negatively impact their efforts to quit smoking, while some suggest regulating flavors and nicotine content would be a more effective approach. Despite the concerns, public health officials maintain that vaping is less harmful than smoking and that the price increases are necessary to discourage vaping among non-smokers.
(Source：Liverpool Echo)
