Vape industry anger over Harris comments smoulders
SUPPORT for Minister for Health Simon Harris among Ireland’s vaping businesses appears to have gone up in a puff of smoke, or should that be a cloud of vapour?
Four members of Vape Business Ireland, a representative body of the e-cigarette industry, have authored a letter criticising Harris for his “unacceptable comments” about the sector. The companies, which include e-cigarette retailers Hale, VIP, Solv-x Products and vape juice manufacturer Rejuice, said Harris was building the industry up as a “straw man to attack”.
In the letter, seen by Ergo, the companies accuse Harris of making “deliberately inflammatory” comments during an Oireachtas Health Committee meeting this month, which were designed to “demonstrate a reaction” to media stories “emanating from the US about the consequences of the illegal use of THC by some vapers”.
It asks Harris to “adopt a more balanced approach to the sector”, and refrain from sensationalising or “conflating serious issues, to garner media headlines”.
The companies also accuse Harris of trying to paint the industry as being in favour of selling vaping products to those under the age of 18. Harris recently said he would not meet with vaping companies ahead of legislation to limit the sale of such products to people over that age.
It ends with the companies requesting an opportunity to constructively discuss the role the vaping sector has played in reducing smoking limits. Will Harris take a drag?