New Smoking Legislation

The Government have today announced a new Bill (the Tobacco and Vapes Bill) intended to take “Tougher action to better protect the public, NHS and the economy from the harms of smoking”.

The Bill aims to phase out of the sale of tobacco products across the UK to anyone aged 15 or younger this year.

The Bill will also include powers to introduce a licensing scheme for retailers to sell tobacco, vape and nicotine products in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and will introduce on the spot fines of £200 to retailers found to be selling these products to people underage.

In the Press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care this morning, it announced that the government will be given powers, under the new Bill, to extend the indoor smoking ban to certain outdoor settings. The ban will be focused on protecting children and the most vulnerable with children’s playgrounds, outside schools and hospitals all being considered, subject to consultation. A ban in pub gardens and around the entrances to Licensed venues were reported over the summer to be part of the Government plans, but such areas are not to be included in the new Bill.

In addition, in respect of Vapes, the Bill will:

• Ban vape advertising and sponsorship, as well as creating new powers to restrict the flavours, display and packaging of all types of vapes (Disposable vapes are also due to be banned from 1 June 2025 under separate environmental legislation),
• Create on the spot fines as part of tougher action on enforcement and tighter regulation on vaping generally.

We shall keep you updated.