Emily Jordan
The newly elected Labour government has announced plans to revive the Conservative party’s stalled Tobacco and Vapes Bill. These plans come as data shows the proportion of adults who vape in the UK is at its highest level ever.
According to a new report conducted by Action on Smoking and Health (Ash), the number of adults who vape has doubled over the past three years. There are the equivalent of 2.2 million smokers using both cigarettes and vapes, and this number is increasing.
The bill, highlighted during the King’s Speech following Labour’s election victory in July, is set to spark significant debate. It aims to curb both vaping and smoking, particularly among young people.
With sweeping measures targeting everything from vape flavours to tobacco sales, the government’s proposed legislation could mark a generational shift in public health policy.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill Explained
With the aim of creating a ‘smoke-free’ generation, the ‘Tobacco and Vapes Bill’ is proposed to challenge the rising number of people vaping. There are several suggested tactics, initially developed by the former Tory government.
Increasing the Legal Age Required to Purchase Tobacco
Inspired by New Zealand’s scrapped idea, the bill would enforce a ban on the sale of tobacco products to anyone born after a certain date.
Currently, you have to be 18 years old to purchase cigarettes or vapes.
Under the proposed legislation, access to tobacco would be gradually restricted for future generations, eventually eliminating smoking in the UK.
‘On-the-spot’ Fines for Illegal Business Practices
The bill would enable police officers to issue fines to businesses caught distributing tobacco products to any person under the new legal age of sale.
As a further penalty, businesses could be banned from selling cigarettes and vapes for up to a year.
Reducing the Appeal of Vapes to Children
The rise in underage vaping has become a significant concern, with Trading Standards describing it as the “biggest high street issue.”
In an attempt to reduce this illegal vaping in minors, the bill has extensive suggestions on how to reduce the appeal of vapes.
Disposable vapes often appear in bright, colourful packaging with fruity flavours.
Additionally, illicit brands have capitalised on trends by producing look-alike products, like those styled after “Prime Hydration” drinks
To reduce the appeal to minors, the bill would restrict the packaging and flavours of nicotine products.
The Response to the Bill
Health organisations and advocacy groups have largely welcomed the bill, seeing it as a opportunity to “end the premature death and disability caused by smoking.”
However, criticism from those involved in the tobacco industry has been extensive.
There are concerns ranging from the power that the Bill has over restricting vape flavours to the negative effects felt by those who have used vaping to successfully quit smoking. It is evident this is not a clear-cut issue.
One major issue left unaddressed in the current bill is the ongoing debate over banning disposable vapes entirely.
Environmental campaigners and health advocates have called for such a ban, highlighting the products’ appeal to young people and their harmful impact on the environment.
The Conservative government had previously delayed decisions on this front, leaving it an unresolved point of contention.
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Featured image courtesy of sarahjohnson1 via Pixabay. No changes made to this image. Image license found here.
Emily Jordan
University of the West of England MA Journalism Student University of Bristol BSc Marketing Graduate Freelance journalist with specialisms in entertainment, music and current affairs.