I read this comment today in a Belgian group, which might largely be true for our country’s government’s line of thought as well, regarding why they don’t support, why they ban, and restrict trade related to vaping.
"Ultimately, Belgium is not at all interested in the vape industry. The industry is much smaller than in France, and its turnover (and thus its revenue through VAT and taxes) is much lower.
It’s important to note that a state loses threefold when a smoker quits:
1/ less tax from cigarette sales.
2/ less tax related to the manufacturing/sale of medicines.
3/ less chance to save for the pension of a person who dies prematurely due to smoking.
Therefore, it is purely in a state’s economic interest for its population to continue smoking. And this is true even if it means directly conflicting with the public health mission of that state…"
