- Source: Tobacco and Vapes Bill
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is a parliamentary bill aimed at reducing tobacco use and promoting public health within the United Kingdom. This bill introduces a series of measures designed to phase out the sale of tobacco products for future generations, particularly targeting individuals born on or after 1 January 2009. It establishes a framework for regulating the sale, display, and advertising of tobacco and vaping products, thereby addressing the associated health risks.
The bill is currently at the committee stage within the House of Commons. If approved by Parliament, the age restrictions on tobacco sales will take effect on 1 January 2027. Additional rules and details will be determined later through further legislation.
Background
On 4 October 2023, at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced his intention to phase out cigarette smoking in the UK by raising the minimum age to purchase cigarettes from 18 each year, every year until eventually no person can legally buy cigarettes. The proposal will be put before MPs in Parliament before potentially becoming law, with Sunak promising Conservative MPs a whip-free vote on the matter. A similar proposal was made by the Labour Party earlier that year.
Plans for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, legislation implementing such a ban, were announced in the King's Speech during the 2023 State Opening of Parliament. However the decision to call a summer 2024 general election meant that the legislation did not pass through Parliament. The newly elected government announced in July 2024 they would re-introduce these measures in the first session of the new parliament.
On 24 October 2024, the British government announced a ban on the sale of single-use vapes, effective from June 2025, in an effort to address environmental concerns and the rising prevalence of vaping among children.
On 5 November 2024, the UK government introduced the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, aiming to protect public health and reduce the harm caused by smoking. The bill proposed measures to phase out tobacco sales for those under 15, extend the indoor smoking ban to outdoor areas and introduce stricter regulations on vaping, including a ban on vape advertising and limitations on flavours and packaging.
Summary of the bill
The bill makes it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009, aiming to create a smoke-free generation. It restricts advertising and sales of nicotine products, including a ban on selling vapes to anyone under 18 and selling them through vending machines. The bill also allows regulation of vaping products and expands smoke-free areas to include playgrounds and locations near schools and hospitals.
Parliamentary passage
= House of Commons
=The Bill received its first reading on 5 November 2024. The second reading with a debate and votes from MPs occurred on 26 November. It was passed with 414 in favour to 47 against.
It has now been sent to a Public Bill Committee which will debate and consider amendments to the Bill, and is expected to report to the House of Commons by 30 January 2025.
Reactions
The bill was supported by health organisations, including Cancer Research UK, Action on Smoking and Health and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health .In an August 2024 YouGov poll, 61% of UK adults supported the efforts to phase out smoking by banning it for people born after 1 January 2009, while 27% opposed it. 81% supported the banning of disposable vapes, while 13% opposed it.
See also
Smoking bans in the United Kingdom