Legislation is be set out in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, introduced in Parliament today but the Government has removed plans for a ban outside pubs and restaurants after pressure from the industry
TheBill will include measures to create a smokefree generation, phasing-out the sale of tobacco products across the UK to anyone aged 15 or younger this year, breaking the cycle of addiction and disadvantage.
In addition, the government will be given powers to extend the indoor smoking ban to specific outdoor spaces: with children’s playgrounds, outside schools and hospitals all being considered, subject to consultation.
This sits alongside a ban in the Bill on vape advertising and sponsorship, as well as powers to restrict the flavours, display and packaging of all types of vapes, as well as other nicotine products.
Disposable vapes are also due to be banned from 1 June 2025 under separate environmental legislation.
Smoking claims around 80,000 lives a year in the UK, putting huge pressure on our NHS, taking up appointments, scans and operations, and costing taxpayers £3.1 billion a year.
The cost of smoking to the economy is even greater, with £18 billion lost in productivity every year, as smokers are a third more likely to be off work sick.
Tobacco is a uniquely harmful product, responsible for 1-in-4 of all cancer deaths and killing up to two-thirds of its long-term users. Smoking also substantially increases the risk of many major health conditions throughout people’s lives, such as strokes, diabetes, heart disease, stillbirth, dementia and asthma.
Almost every minute, someone is admitted to hospital because of smoking and up to 75,000 GP appointments can be attributed to smoking each month – over 100 every hour.
The government will also take tougher action to crack down on youth vaping, with 25% of 11 to 15-year-olds having tried vaping in 2023.
Subject to consultation, the government is considering extending restrictions in places that are currently smoke free to also become vape free, especially in areas where there are children and young adults.
Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty, said:
A smokefree country would prevent disease, disability and premature deaths for children born today and for people long into the future. Smoking causes harm across the life course from stillbirths, asthma in children, cancers, strokes and heart attacks to premature dementia.
Most smokers wish they had never started, but are trapped by addiction. Second-hand smoke causes harm including to children, pregnant women and medically vulnerable people so reducing this is important. If vulnerable people can smell smoke they are inhaling it.
The rising numbers of children vaping is a major concern and the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will help prevent marketing vapes to children, which is utterly unacceptable.
This is a major piece of legislation which if passed will have a positive and lasting impact on the health of the nation.
