The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to create a smokefree generation, saving lives and NHS funds (Streamlined version)
A new bill to protect future generations across the UK from the harmful impacts of smoking and build a better future for our children will be introduced to Parliament today (Wednesday 20 March 2024).
The bill will deliver on Prime Minister’s commitment to create a smokefree generation
New powers to restrict vape flavours, packaging and change how vapes are displayed in shops to protect children
‘On the spot’ fines to be introduced to clamp down on underage sales of tobacco and vaping products
Smoking costs NHS & UK economy £17B yearly, highly addictive. Tobacco & Vapes Bill bans tobacco sales to under 15s, aims to create smokefree generation, restricts vape marketing to children. Vaping's long-term health effects unknown, can be addictive.
The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said:
To create a better future for our kids, we must address smoking as a major preventable health risk. Implementing measures against youth vaping, we strive for a smoke-free generation, saving lives and NHS resources.
Andrew Opie, Director of Food and Sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, said:
We look forward to supporting retailers in implementing the new age of sale legislation on smoking and future regulations around vapes. It is important that the legislation operates in the same way across the UK as this will help ensure clarity and consistency for customers. Retailers will look to ensure they comply with the new regulations in a timely manner.
Q. How?
Under the bill, enforcement officers’ powers will also be strengthened with ‘on the spot fines’ of £100 to uphold the new laws and clamp down on underage sales of tobacco and vaping products. This builds on a maximum £2,500 fine that local authorities can already impose. It will also no longer be legal to give free samples of vapes to under 18s.
Q. They have not been able to enforce the current regulations, what has changed?
Additionally, the government has committed to ban the sale and supply of disposable vapes from April 2025 under separate environmental legislation. Disposable vapes have been a key driver behind the alarming rise in youth vaping, with the proportion of 11 to 17 year old vapers using disposables increasing almost ninefold in the last 2 years.
Q. How will this be enforced?
The government has already announced funding to support smokers to quit with £70 million for local ‘stop smoking’ services. The ‘swap to stop’ scheme, for example, provides free access to a vape kits alongside behavioural support to help adult smokers quit the habit and improve health outcomes.
Q. How can this fund be utilised? Please, email if you have any relevant information? Thanks in advance,
Gaz