The UK government will present its “historic” Tobacco and Vapes Bill to Parliament today, paving the way for some of the strictest anti-smoking and vaping laws in the world.
But what exactly does the Bill include and what will it mean for vapers if it’s passed?
A ‘generational ban’ on smoking
The headlining part of the new Bill is a generational ban on smoking. The UK would become the first country in the world to make it illegal for anyone born in 2009 or after to ever buy cigarettes or tobacco.
The legal smoking age will be raised by one year every year in a bid to stop today’s young people from ever taking up smoking. The aim is to “create the first smoke-free generation.”
The Government will be given powers to extend the existing indoor smoking ban to some outdoor settings such as children’s playgrounds, and outside schools and hospitals.
Crackdown on vaping
The landmark legislation also includes tighter restrictions on vapes and other nicotine alternatives. It will ban the advertisement and sponsorship of vapes and restrict e-liquid flavours that are considered to have "youth appeal" or are "targeted at minors".
This will include flavours like cotton candy, cola and dessert, but also fruit, which is the most popular among smokers switching to vapes.
Manufacturers of vapes will be required to use plain, “less visually appealing” packaging and shops will have to move them out of sight of children and away from products that might appeal to them such as sweets.
On the spot fines
Trading standards officers will be able to issue “on the spot” fines to retailers who ignore the new rules, with the revenue raised funding further enforcement.
Disposable vapes are due to be banned from 1 June 2025 under separate environmental legislation. The government also says it is considering extending current restrictions on where smoking is allowed to include vapes.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said today: ”Unless we act to help people stay healthy, the rising tide of ill health in our society threatens to overwhelm and bankrupt our NHS. Prevention is better than cure.
“This Government is taking bold action to create the first smoke-free generation, clamp down on kids getting hooked on nicotine through vapes, and protect children and vulnerable people from the harms of secondhand smoke.
“This historic legislation will save thousands of lives and protect the NHS. By building a healthy society, we will also help to build a healthy economy, with fewer people off work sick.”
Concerns the Bill could backfire
However, while the new restrictions on vapes are aimed at curbing their appeal to children, vape advocates and some health bodies have warned they could put smokers off quitting and lead to a boom in black market sales.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) told ministers last week that the disposables ban alone could push nearly a third (29 per cent) of vapers back to smoking.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is being revived by the Labour government after the Conservatives were forced to shelve it when the general election was called.
In August, reports suggested ministers were considering going even further by banning smoking in some outdoor areas, such as beer gardens and outside stadiums, to improve public health.
However, after a fierce backlash from the hospitality industry, Downing Street confirmed today it has blocked the move.
Rise in cancers caused by smoking
According to the Department of Health and Social Care, the number of cancers caused by smoking has increased by 17 per cent since 2003.
Dr Ian Walker, executive director of policy at Cancer Research UK, said: “Today is a significant step forward in the journey to creating a smoke free UK. By increasing the age of sale of tobacco products and properly funding cessation services, the government can build a healthier future, prevent cancer, and protect people from a lifetime of deadly and costly addiction.
“We urge all MPs to prioritise the nation’s health by voting in favour of the Bill and ensuring that this historic legislation is implemented across the UK.”
Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive at Action on Smoking (Ash), said: “It opens up an important debate about smoking and how long we are prepared to tolerate the incredible harms it does to our society.
“Over the last 50 years smoking has taken more than eight million lives in the UK. The health community and the public support the Government in this historic effort to phase out the sale of tobacco. Smoking will not steal the health and wealth of future generations.”
Professor Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, added: “This is a major piece of legislation which if passed will have a positive and lasting impact on the health of the nation. A smoke free country would prevent disease, disability and premature deaths for children born today and for people long into the future.
“Smoking causes harm across the life course from stillbirths, asthma in children, cancers, strokes and heart attacks to premature dementia.”
