NHS staff have been offered vouchers for e-cigs in what an anti-smoking group has branded a marketing stunt.
Critics say VPZ, the largest vape retailer in the UK, is getting around a ban on tobacco advertising by offering £100,000 in coupons as a “thank-you” to frontline staff.
The vouchers allow NHS workers to claim a free vaping device, but cannot be used to buy e-liquids or accessories and have no cash value.
VPZ is part-bankrolled by Philip Morris International, the firm behind Marlboro, though VPZ remains an independent company.
Action on Smoking and Health has criticised the voucher scheme.
They have also separately criticised online adverts for Philip Morris products which they say they recently noticed.
Deborah Arnott, chief executive of ASH, said: “VPZ has been lent millions by Philip Morris. We’ll be reporting this to the authorities.”
A Philip Morris spokesman said it wanted to move smokers to “less harmful products”.
They added: "The vouchers referred to cannot be redeemed for Philip Morris products because we took no part in the VPZ promotion. Any allegation of our involvement is incorrect.”
He added: “Providing information about smoke-free alternatives to adult smokers is consistent with this and demonstrates strong support for the Government’s smoke-free 2030 ambition.”
In July Doug Mutter, director at VPZ, said the vouchers were a “simple thank-you” to health staff.
Trade mag the Grocer reported Philip Morris lent VPZ £15million in 2018, months before VPZ announced huge expansion plans.
VPZ say the value of the loan has been misreported and is lower.
