The UK’s Tobacco and vape Act (CTSI) has been returned to parliament by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute’s all-party Parliamentary Group on Tobacco Control (APPG), but retail and vape groups have raised concerns about the contents of the bill. If the bill is passed, the UK will be the first country to implement the policy.
The Tobacco and vape Act has returned to the UK Parliament and received a warm welcome from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute’s (CTSI) all-party Parliamentary Group on Tobacco Control (APPG).
The legislation had previously received broad support in parliament. If the legislation is passed, the UK will become the first country in the world to implement a “smoke-free generation” after a similar law was repealed in New Zealand last year.
The bill adds several elements, including the development of a retail licensing management system, the extension of smoke-free legislation to some outdoor areas, a ban on the uptake of vapes in smoke-free venues, a ban on vape advertising and sponsorship, and stricter controls on vape design. These new measures will be further implemented in the follow-up consultation process for effective implementation.
John Herriman, chief executive of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, said:
- “We very much welcome the rollout of this legislation and we will support businesses to understand their responsibilities, take action against those who do not play by the rules and be prepared to crack down on those who flout the rules.”
Since the bill was introduced in the King’s Speech, APPG members have called for it to be reintroduced. Republican Congressman Bob Blackman said,
- “I am pleased to see the government introducing this bill again. We are proud of the Conservatives and the government for arguing to raise the tobacco sale age, which has led to a smoke-free generation. I am pleased to see the bill introduce a licensing scheme that includes cigarettes and vapes. This was introduced by me as an amendment to the Bill in the last parliament, which will make it easier to prosecute illegal retailers.”
Mary Foy, a Labour MP, said,
- “This bill contains the necessary measures to create a smoke-free generation and curb youth uptake of vapes.” In 2022, I suggested amending the Health Care Act to increase the government’s authority to address vape marketing, but sadly, it did not pass. I’m glad these measures are finally being implemented.”
Lord Chris Rennard, a Liberal Democrat MP,
- “Every day 350 young people in the UK start smoking. This bill is an important step in preventing young people from contracting this deadly habit.
James Lowman, chief executive of the Society of Community Retailers (ACS), pointed out that the licensing system could discourage legitimate businesses from operating legally based on the presence of outlets in the area or the specific location of that store. He called for a more detailed discussion of the contents of the bill to prevent investment growth and industry services from being affected. Fines for selling products to minors are capped at 200 yuan, but the government does not have enough enforcement against illegal operators in the cigarette and vape markets. To target enforcement, Trading Standards needs more money.
Mark Oates, founder of the vape group We Vape, then warned that if the taste is limited, it could force some users to return to tobacco.
Public Health Wales of the Independent UK vape Trade Association and the Independent UK vape Trade Association (IBVTA) have expressed support and concern for the bill respectively.
Chris Emerson, Weill’s senior public health advisor, said,
- The use of vapes is increasing rapidly among young people, and restrictions are particularly important.
On the other hand, the IBVTA stressed that excessive control could compromise the benefits of vaping as a smoking cessation tool.
Asli Ertonguc, head of British American Cigarettes (BAT) for the UK and Western Europe, said,
- “We have long called for and supported tighter restrictions on where vape products can be sold. A retail licensing system is a necessary measure to combat underage access to vapes, so we welcome the introduction of such a system in the new Tobacco and Vapes Bill. We believe that retail licenses also apply to ethanol and vapes. However, we are disappointed by the amount of fines the state can impose on offenders, as this is unlikely to deter unscrupulous retailers. Prioritizing enforcement is the only way to ensure that any control changes have the desired effect, whether through more resources or harsher penalties.”
