Wisbech vape shop helps 'thousands' quit smoking amid new research
New research shows there are more people vaping than smoking
A Wisbech vape shop owner says the number of places that sell vapes could see demand for them go higher.
Ecigzoo has seen thousands of people give up smoking and turn to vaping since it opened in 2014, as new research shows e-cigarette use has overtaken smoking for the first time.
"Devices are so much simpler now, they almost pick it out the packet and are ready to go," Anthony Elpert, owner at Ecigzoo, said.
"Vapes appear everywhere, in mobile phone shops, in supermarkets, and that's watered down the industry in a way."
'I wished vapes were around as child'
Figures from Action on Smoking and Health found approximately 5.4 million adults aged 16 and over are using e-cigarettes, compared to 4.9 million who smoke.
While one in five children aged 11-17 have now tried vapes.
Anthony quit smoking before he started vaping in 2009, and wishes he had access to this when he was younger.
"It's a completely different time; back then, we had to teach people how to use a vape and everything was new to everybody, but we helped a lot of smokers stop smoking and that was the main point," he said.
"Young people will always experiment and as someone who started smoking at 11-years-old, I wished vapes were around because it's a much safer alternative."
New law to ban smoking for children
This week, Peers in the House of Lords backed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill at its third reading, which aims to stop people currently aged 17 or younger ever buying cigarettes.
Under the new law, adults who try to buy vaping or nicotine products on behalf of children will face a fine.
Ministers are also set to gain new powers to control the flavours and substances in smoking products, including vapes, along with the appearance, size, texture and shape of packaging.
Both the House of Commons and Lords must agree on the final wording before the Bill becomes law.
Anthony said he's told customers who want to keep in the best health possible is "do nothing at all", meaning not smoking or vaping.
But for those who choose to, he believes there needs to be tougher regulation around keeping people safe when using and disposing e-cigarettes.
"In relation to smoking, it (vaping) is significantly better," Anthony added.
"Vapes can be dangerous if people throw them into a bin and that can cause fires; illegal vaping is a problem.
"We welcome regulation that helps maintain a standard of service and safety for customers."