On April 16th, the UK Parliament approved the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, aiming to achieve a smoke-free nation by 2030, outpacing the EU’s goal by a decade.
Objectives of the Bill
Introduced in March, the bill has two primary goals: curbing youth vaping and implementing a groundbreaking policy that prohibits individuals born on or after January 1, 2009, from purchasing tobacco products. The legislation is set to take effect at the beginning of 2027.
Vaping Regulations
The UK government has generally been supportive of vaping as a smoking alternative for adults, viewing it more favorably compared to traditional smoking hazards.
A crucial component of the bill is the continuation of the “swap-to-stop” initiative, which provides free vape kits and behavioral support to adult smokers attempting to quit.
Addressing Youth Vaping
Despite this support, the sharp increase in youth vaping has alarmed health officials. In the past two years, the number of 11-17-year-olds using disposable vapes has increased dramatically.
While the long-term health effects of vaping are still unclear, nicotine in vapes is known to be highly addictive, leading to withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and headaches.
To combat youth vaping, the bill introduces new restrictions on vape flavors, and packaging targeting young people, and mandates their placement away from sweets in stores.
Penalties and Environmental Measures
The legislation includes immediate fines of £100 (€117) for selling tobacco or vapes to minors. Additionally, a separate environmental regulation proposes banning the sale and supply of disposable vapes starting in April 2025.
Unexpectedly, the British Retail Consortium supports these measures. “We are ready to assist retailers in complying with the new age restriction laws and future vape regulations,” said Andrew Opie, BRC’s Director of Food and Sustainability.
Tobacco Sales Restrictions
The bill also makes it illegal for anyone who turns 15 this year or younger to buy tobacco products.
Although there is some dissent within the ruling Conservative Party, the bill is expected to pass with support from the Labour and Liberal Parties.
Economic Impact
The tobacco industry often argues that smoking restrictions lead to decreased national revenue and an increase in illegal cigarette trade.
The UK government estimates the bill’s economic impact at £18.6 billion, not accounting for reduced tobacco duty revenue.
ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) estimates that smoking costs the public twice the revenue generated from tobacco sales.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has integrated this proposal into his “levelling-up agenda” to address social and economic inequalities.
Health Benefits
The UK’s Chief Medical Officers and the Smokefree Action Coalition, consisting of over 300 health organizations, have expressed strong support for the bill.
Smoking is responsible for approximately 80,000 deaths annually in the UK and contributes to one in four cancer-related deaths.
Dr. Ian Walker, Cancer Research UK’s Executive Director of Policy, stated, “This legislation positions the UK as a global leader in combating smoking. Increasing the age for tobacco sales has significant public support and represents a bold preventive measure.”
European Context
The UK’s proactive stance contrasts sharply with the EU’s delayed initiatives.
Although the European Beating Cancer Action Plan outlined several tobacco-related legal measures, their implementation has been postponed. Reviews of the Tobacco Products Directive and other regulations are not expected until after the European elections in June.
Legislative Progress
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill passed its second reading in the UK Parliament with 380 votes in favor and 60 against. It will now proceed to the committee stage for detailed examination.
History of Smoking Policy in the UK
- 2004: Ireland bans smoking in enclosed public places, including pubs, clubs, and restaurants.
- 2006: Scotland implements smoking ban in indoor public spaces.
- 2007: England, Wales and Northern Ireland introduce indoor bans. In England, smoking is banned in almost all enclosed public spaces, and the NHS goes smoke-free. The legal age to buy cigarettes raised from 16 to 18.
- 2008: Cigarette companies are required to feature pictorial health warnings on packets.
- 2010: Government announces enforcement of tobacco display ban and considers plain packaging for tobacco products.
- 2015: Smoking in cars with children banned in England; ban on the display of tobacco in small shops enforced throughout the UK.
- 2017: Government targets reducing smoking prevalence among adults to 12% or less by 2022.
- 2019: Department of Health publishes plans to make England smoke-free by 2030.
- 2020: Menthol cigarettes banned in the UK and EU.
- 2023: Rishi Sunak unveils radical plan to effectively ban kids born after 2009 from smoking.