I WAS not convinced by your report (Vape Shop and NHS in anti-smoking initiative, Chronicle, October 3) which spun a positive message on the industry.

The plethora of vape shops in most town centres is attracting a new generation of teenagers to start smoking e-cigs with bubblegum-type fruit flavours and brightly coloured packaging marketed, especially to children. There are reports that some of these vapes contain hidden addictive chemicals which could be more harmful than nicotine. So the idea that vaping is to be encouraged is rather misleading.

The Vapourium shop that you featured may well be more responsible than some outlets, but vaping is still a scourge on our society.

Although the NHS does issue vaping vouchers to those who genuinely wish to give up smoking, it would be far better to follow the lead from Australia, where vapes are only available on a doctor’s prescription. This would support those current smokers striving to give up, but also create proper controls on the industry to prevent a new generation being attracted to a way of life that damages their health and their wallets.

Chris Higgins,
Edgar Villas,
Winchester

Send letters by email to newsdesk@hampshirechronicle.co.uk or by post to Editor, Hampshire Chronicle, 5 Upper Brook Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8AL.

All letters and e-mails must include full names and addresses (anonymous letters will not be published), although these details may be withheld from publication, on request, if the reason justifies it.

Letters of 300 words or less will be given priority, although all are subject to editing for reasons of clarity, space, or legal requirements. We reserve the right to edit letters.