| Type: | act |
| Parliament: | Parliament of the United Kingdom |
| Long Title: | A Bill to make provision about the supply of tobacco, vapes and other products, including provision prohibiting the sale of tobacco to people born on or after 1 January 2009 and provision about the licensing of retail sales and the registration of retailers; to enable product and information requirements to be imposed in connection with tobacco, vapes and other products; to control the advertising and promotion of tobacco, vapes and other products; and to make provision about smoke-free places, vape-free places and heated tobacco-free places. |
| Year: | 2024-25 |
| Introduced By: | Wes Streeting |
| Status: | Not_passed |
| Original Text: | https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/cbill/59-01/0121/240121v2.pdf |
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is a legislative Act of Parliament 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.[1]
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.[2]
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.[3] 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.[4] 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.[5] [6] 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.[7]
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.[8]
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.[9]
The bill makes it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009. This rule is designed to create a smoke-free generation, ensuring that young people cannot legally buy tobacco and helping to prevent addiction and health problems.[10]
The bill limits the advertising and promotion of all nicotine products, similar to existing restrictions on tobacco. It also prohibits selling vapes and nicotine products to anyone under 18 and bans their sale through vending machines.
The bill gives ministers the power to regulate flavors, packaging, and display of vapes. This regulation aims to ensure these products meet safety and health standards.[11]
The bill allows extending smoke-free rules to some outdoor spaces, including playgrounds and areas around schools and hospitals, while outdoor hospitality areas may not be included.[12]