In a political climate where vaping is too often demonised, misunderstood, or lazily lumped in with Big Tobacco, Guernsey has just broken rank—and we’re standing and applauding.
The Vaping Products (Guernsey) Ordinance 2025 is a bold and thoughtful piece of legislation that balances regulation with harm reduction. It’s not a knee-jerk reaction. It’s not moral panic dressed up as policy. It’s a sign that someone’s actually been paying attention to the evidence.
Let’s be clear: Riot Labs has always stood for responsible vaping. We don’t just sell products—we support quitting smoking. And for once, a government has introduced vape regulation that doesn’t punish the very people trying to do just that.
What We Support (And Why It Matters)
Guernsey’s approach is grounded in the kind of logic and public health thinking the rest of the UK would do well to follow. Here’s what they’ve got right—and why we back it 100%.
Licensing Vaping Sales – To Stop Cowboys, Not Kill the Industry
Under the new law, you need a licence to sell vaping products in Guernsey. That includes retail, wholesale, and online/indirect sales. It's robust, detailed, and finally brings vaping into line with how alcohol and tobacco are regulated.
This is huge. Because let’s face it: too many unregulated sellers have been exploiting loopholes, pushing dodgy products, and fuelling underage access. By introducing a proper licensing system, Guernsey is creating accountability. If you want to sell harm reduction tools, you need to do it responsibly.
No complaints here. We’ve long said that a licensing scheme is the smartest way to separate the ethical from the opportunistic. A win for adult consumers and a blow to the black market.
Ban on Disposable Vapes – But Done Right
Yes, Guernsey is banning disposables—but here’s the difference: they’re doing it with clarity and exemptions through a regulatory framework, not with vague promises and delayed enforcement like the UK government.
Disposables have played a role in helping smokers quit, but the environmental toll, combined with their accessibility to minors, demanded action. Guernsey's decision to ban the sale, supply, and commercial importation of disposable vapes—while allowing for exceptions and defences via regulation—is a clear, controlled step.
This isn’t performative. It’s decisive. And for once, it puts adult smokers’ needs and environmental responsibility on the table.
Clear Protections for Under-18s – Without Demonising Adults
Let’s get one thing straight: no one in this industry worth their salt wants kids vaping.
Guernsey’s outright ban on sales to under-18s, backed by real enforcement and clear ID-check requirements, is a welcome move. But what’s even more important is that this isn't used as a stick to beat adult smokers over the head with.
Where other regions have introduced flavour bans and full-on panic policy that drives people back to smoking, Guernsey has kept the focus where it belongs—on keeping products out of kids’ hands, without banning the products that help adults quit.
It’s grown-up policy for a grown-up problem.
End to Retail Displays – But with Common-Sense Exemptions
Another standout? The restrictions on product displays, pricing, and advertising in and around vape-licensed premises.
Now before you panic—this isn’t a ban on information. The ordinance allows for the Committee for Health & Social Care to set out exceptions, exemptions, and defences. That means tailored regulation that stops flashy youth-focused displays without blocking adult consumers from getting the facts they need to make an informed switch.
It’s not about hiding vapes. It’s about stopping hype tactics and protecting the quit journey. Big difference.
What We’re Watching Next
While we’re throwing our full weight behind this ordinance, we’re also watching closely to ensure the rollout stays true to its mission: reducing smoking, not punishing quitters.
A few key areas we’ll be keeping an eye on:
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The licensing process itself: It must remain accessible for responsible retailers and not become a bureaucratic barrier.
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Enforcement balance: Heavy-handed enforcement risks creating fear or forcing people back to cigarettes. We expect Guernsey’s Health Committee to train officers to educate first, penalise second.
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Product exemptions for disposables: We hope to see clear support for refillable, sustainable, and regulated alternatives like Riot Connex to ensure adult quitters aren’t abandoned.
A Blueprint for the UK?
Let’s not beat around the bush: the UK government could learn a thing or two from Guernsey.
While Westminster lumbers towards bans with no clear plans, Guernsey has delivered a model that promotes safer vaping, protects kids, and supports adults looking to ditch cigarettes. It's regulatory activism, not rhetoric.
And it’s already streets ahead of the mess we’re seeing on the mainland.
Riot’s Commitment
We’ve never backed the status quo. We didn’t just sit back while cowboy brands flooded the shelves. We’ve led the charge for responsible licensing, sustainable product design, and real-world quit tools like our Connex system.
So yes, we support Guernsey’s ordinance. We support stronger rules that work. We support policies that don’t just play politics—but actually protect public health.
We’ll continue doing our part with compliant, high-quality products that help people transition away from smoking for good. And we’ll be right here, making noise when others get it wrong—and giving credit when they finally get it right.
