Electronic cigarette company Liberty Flights recently reacted to news that e-cigarettes could be banned in Wales

Wales could ban the use of e-cigarettes in enclosed public places with ministers in Wales making the claim that the nicotine delivery systems could “re-normalise” traditional tobacco cigarettes – a concern that many in favour of e-cigs refute.

Professor Mark Drakeford, Welsh health minister, believes that the growing number of people using electronic cigs could undermine an already existing ban on conventional cigarettes.

“We have spent 30 years... creating a climate in this country where people understand that smoking is not something that is to be regarded as glamorous or desirable. We are concerned that e-cigarettes might reverse that tide,” he told the BBC.

“We are concerned that they might act as a gateway to conventional cigarettes. It contains nicotine, it’s highly addictive, and you might then find it easier to move on to conventional cigarettes.”

Chief executive of Ash, a health charity in the UK, Deborah Arnott, said: “The concern that electronic cigarettes may be a gateway into smoking is understandable.

“However, this is not borne out by the evidence so far from England, where our research shows that their use is almost without exception only amongst current and ex-smokers.

“There is growing evidence that they are effective in helping smoking quit, and this is to be welcomed.”

Figures by Ash suggest that 1.3 million people in Britain currently use e-cigarettes.

Liberty Flights is a noted supplier of electronic cigarettes in the UK who regularly comment on industry news, views and studies.

A representative for the popular provider of nicotine delivery systems said: “While many are concerned that electronic-cigs could prove a gateway for people, young people especially, to move onto tobacco cigarettes, the facts suggest that this simply isn’t happening.

“What the figures do show is that the outright majority of people who currently count themselves as e-cig users either switched from tobacco cigs to e-cigs and no longer smoke tobacco, or are using e-cigs as a means of cutting down on how much tobacco they smoke, or to a lesser extent people who want the benefits of being able to get a nicotine fix while in enclosed public spaces.

“The idea that people will start smoking cigs because of e-cig use is unfounded at this moment in time and goes against the facts – especially when you factor in that tobacco sales were down considerably last year while electronic cigarettes rocketed.

“It would be disappointing if e-cigs were banned in enclosed public places considering there is no known health risks but merely an overreaction because vaping supposedly looks like smoking. And if that’s the argument, surely e-cig users using their devices in bars, restaurants, etcetera where they can’t be seen by children and young people is preferable to standing in the street in full view of young people.”

For quotes, contact Matthew on 0845 257 9008 or matthew@liberty-flights.co.uk