Vape shop owners in Alberta warn that new excise taxes on vaping products could force them out of business. The increased costs and strict regulations limiting product offerings make it hard for these shops to stay open.“We’ve been doing this for ten years by the book, paying all taxes and complying with all regulations, and now it feels like our livelihood is being taken away,” said Adam Ward, owner of Cloud Chaserz Vape Shop in Calgary..Vaping on the rise after Quebec banned flavours.The new regulations would restrict products to unsweetened, mint, menthol, and tobacco flavours. This change would remove 98% of the current inventory in many shops, severely impacting customer demand and revenue.Ward worries that with such limited products, customers will turn away. “The tax isn’t going to generate revenue if all the shops are closed, it’s just going to create a black market,” said Ward..Study finds switching from cigarettes to e-cigarettes may reduce respiratory issues.There are fears that these restrictions will drive consumers to unregulated sources. Without proper oversight, unsafe products could flood the market. Some are concerned that people might try to make their own vape liquids, which could lead to health crises like past incidents with unregulated THC products.Adding to their frustration, vape shop owners see contradictions in government policy..France to ban nicotine pouches.While vaping is an effective way to help people quit smoking, it faces heavy regulation. Meanwhile, cannabis and flavoured alcohol products are being promoted.“Vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking, yet the government seems more focused on banning it than addressing real public health issues,” said Ward.The potential closure of vape shops could affect the province’s economy. Jobs could be lost, reducing tax revenue, and increasing unemployment costs..UK government's u-turn on proposed smoking, vaping ban in pub gardens.Shop owners believe that the broader economic and social costs will far outweigh any benefits from the new taxes.Faced with these challenges, Alberta vape shop owners are calling on the government to reconsider the new taxes and regulations. They argue that supporting the vaping industry can help reduce smoking rates and benefit public health..CLEMENT: Puzzling pouch priorities of public health.Overall, the new excise taxes and regulations are putting small vape shops at risk. Without changes, many may be forced to close, affecting not just the owners but also employees and customers who rely on their products to quit smoking.
