Heated Tobacco and vaping: Major Retailers Under Fire for Illegal Advertising
Table of Contents
- 1. Heated Tobacco and vaping: Major Retailers Under Fire for Illegal Advertising
- 2. Heated Tobacco ads Spark Debate: Legal or Exploiting a Loopholes?
- 3. Heated Tobacco Ads Spark Debate in UK Supermarkets
- 4. How does the marketing of heated tobacco products as “less harmful” perhaps mislead consumers adn hinder smoking cessation efforts?
- 5. Heated Tobacco: A Public Health Crisis in Disguise?
- 6. An Interview with Hazel Cheeseman,Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and health
A storm is brewing in the retail sector as supermarket giants Sainsbury’s and Morrisons face scrutiny for displaying advertising for tobacco products within their stores.
This practice, according to trading Standards, is a direct violation of existing legislation.
Trading Standards has reported the presence of video screens and posters within both Sainsbury’s and Morrisons locations, actively promoting devices designed to deliver nicotine. These devices, often marketed as alternatives to conventional cigarettes, have become increasingly popular in recent years. The controversy centers on the legality of displaying such advertisements within supermarkets, which are frequented by a large number of individuals, including children and teenagers.
The use of enticing displays and promotional materials to market potentially harmful products within these publicly accessible spaces raises serious ethical concerns. Experts argue that such advertising practices normalize the use of nicotine products and may contribute to increased uptake, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Heated Tobacco ads Spark Debate: Legal or Exploiting a Loopholes?
Though an outright ban exists on tobacco advertising in the UK since 2002, a heated debate is brewing in supermarkets across the nation. The cause? Promotional materials for heated tobacco products like iQos and Ploom are appearing in prominent locations, sparking questions about whether they circumvent existing laws.
Shoppers may encounter these displays at checkout counters or through flashing video screens, often in areas easily visible to children. Critics, including the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), argue these promotions violate the spirit, if not the letter, of the 2002 ban.
“It’s taking the mick, is my view,” Kate Pike, lead officer for tobacco and vaping at CTSI, told the BBC, expressing her dismay at the proliferation of these ads. While the CTSI insists the ads are prohibited, a lack of legal precedent makes it arduous to definitively label them as illegal.
“The only people who can definitively test it are the courts. Now the courts are chocka. Trading Standards is very stretched, and I think that’s probably the reason why you’re seeing more and more of these ads,” Pike explained, pointing to the overburdened legal system as a potential contributing factor.
Supermarkets, however, insist these promotions fall outside the scope of the established tobacco advertising ban. The heating method used for these tobacco products, different from traditional smoking, further complicates the legal landscape.
While heated tobacco products are generally considered less harmful than traditional cigarettes, research suggests they might potentially be more harmful than e-cigarettes and less effective for long-term smoking cessation. Professor Lion Shahab, co-director of the tobacco and alcohol research group at University College London, emphasizes this point:
“As it involves no combustion, heated tobacco is highly likely less harmful than cigarettes,” he explained. “current findings suggest that heated tobacco may be more harmful than e-cigarettes, and less effective at helping smokers give up cigarettes long-term.”
Adding to the complexity, the government previously engaged in a back-and-forth with Philip Morris International (PMI), the maker of iQos. In 2018, then-health minister Steve Brine wrote to PMI requesting they cease advertising iQos, asserting it was “prohibited.” Two months later, Brine thanked PMI for complying. Though, PMI insists they only agreed to temporarily suspend advertising, maintaining that promoting the device at points of sale remains lawful.
Heated Tobacco Ads Spark Debate in UK Supermarkets
A growing controversy has erupted in the UK as supermarkets like Morrisons and Sainsbury’s display advertisements for heated tobacco products. These devices, which heat tobacco instead of burning it, are marketed as a less harmful option to traditional cigarettes. However,their presence in prominent retail spaces has sparked debate about their health implications and the ethics of promoting them.Japan Tobacco International (JTI), the manufacturer of Ploom, argues that the 2002 law defining tobacco products doesn’t apply to heated tobacco as they don’t produce smoke. This stance is echoed by Morrisons, who believe their advertising practices are within legal bounds.
“On that basis, we are comfortable that it is indeed legal for heated tobacco products to be advertised in store,” a Morrisons spokesperson stated.Sainsbury’s similarly maintains that their advertising practices align with current tobacco legislation.Both supermarkets insist they have policies in place to prevent the sale of these devices to minors.
Though, critics like Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health, express deep concern. “Supermarkets advertising these products is disgraceful,” she asserts.
Proponents of heated tobacco argue that they offer a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes, potentially aiding smokers in reducing their nicotine intake.But the debate rages on, with questions about long-term health effects and the potential for these products to attract new generations of nicotine users.
The UK is navigating a complex terrain as it seeks to balance public health concerns with evolving tobacco industry practices. The government’s recent stance on advertising heated tobacco products, a relatively new category, has sparked debate and uncertainty.
Public health advocates have expressed concerns about the potential impact of heated tobacco advertising.
“It puts pressure on overstretched enforcement services and risks introducing children and young people to new tobacco products,”
stated a spokesperson for a leading public health organization.The government’s exact position on the legality of heated tobacco advertising remains unclear. While officials have declined to comment directly, they emphasized their commitment to combating the allure of tobacco products through upcoming legislation.
“This government’s landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill will enhance existing legislation, including on advertising, and put us on track for a smoke-free UK,”
a government spokesperson affirmed.
This forthcoming bill is poised to impose a complete ban on advertising for all nicotine and tobacco products, encompassing traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and emerging products like nicotine pouches.
Amidst this evolving regulatory landscape, major supermarkets have taken proactive steps to align their practices with existing regulations. Tesco, the UK’s largest supermarket chain, confirmed that it does not engage in tobacco advertising.Similarily
asda stated that it avoids tobacco advertising “in order to comply with current legislation as we understand it.” This demonstrates a commitment to responsible business practices and a recognition of the ethical implications involved in promoting potentially harmful products.
As legislation catches up with the rapidly changing tobacco industry, the UK’s efforts to create a smoke-free environment will continue to be shaped by ongoing debates and the actions of both policymakers and businesses.
How does the marketing of heated tobacco products as “less harmful” perhaps mislead consumers adn hinder smoking cessation efforts?
Heated Tobacco: A Public Health Crisis in Disguise?
An Interview with Hazel Cheeseman,Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and health
Recent reports have surfaced showing a rise in heated tobacco product ads within UK supermarkets. This has sparked a public debate about their health implications and legality. Too shed light on these issues, we spoke with Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health, a leading advocacy group for smoking cessation.
Archyde News: Ms. Cheeseman, thank you for taking the time to speak with us.Can you elaborate on your institution’s stance regarding the increasing visibility of heated tobacco ads in supermarkets?
Hazel Cheeseman: It is deeply concerning. We believe that supermarkets advertising these products is disgraceful. These devices are still highly addictive and pose a significant health risk, despite claims of being “less harmful”. Placing them in prominent retail spaces normalizes their use and potentially exposes children and young people to these harmful products.
Archyde news: Some manufacturers argue that heated tobacco products are a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes, potentially aiding smokers in reducing their nicotine intake. How do you respond to this argument?
Hazel Cheeseman: The science on heated tobacco is still evolving, but current research suggests they are not a safe alternative. The heating process, while avoiding combustion, still generates harmful chemicals that pose risks to long-term health. More importantly, these products are often marketed as “safer,” potentially misleading consumers and hindering efforts to reduce smoking altogether.
Archyde News: while the UK government has yet to issue a definitive stance on the legality of these ads, what are your hopes for the upcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill and its potential impact on heated tobacco advertising?
Hazel Cheeseman: We urge the government to adopt a thorough approach to regulation that includes a complete ban on all nicotine and tobacco advertising, including heated tobacco products. this will create a clearer message for the public and help protect vulnerable populations from the allure of these harmful substances.
Archyde News: what message do you have for UK consumers who may be considering switching to heated tobacco products?
Hazel Cheeseman: There is no safe alternative to tobacco. If you wont to quit smoking, explore proven methods like nicotine replacement therapy, counseling, or prescription medications. Don’t be fooled by marketing claims – your health is worth the effort to quit completely.
