Tobacco and Vapes Bill introduced in parliament
November 5, 2024
Vape products are displayed for sale on October 27, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Alishia Abodunde/Getty Images)
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will be introduced to parliament on Tuesday involving some of the world’s strictest anti-smoking rules, including banning younger people from smoking and restrictions on vape sales.
The government plans to ban smoking outside schools, hospitals and playgrounds as a way of reducing the pressure on the NHS and the cost to taxpayers.
However, the government abandoned plans for a ban on smoking outside pubs and cafes after concerns were raised about the impact on the hospitality industry.
The bill also includes a ban 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.
“Unless we act to help people stay healthy, the rising tide of ill-health in our society threatens to overwhelm and bankrupt our NHS,” health and social care secretary Wes Streeting said in a statement. “This historic legislation will save thousands of lives.”
The government said it will be given powers in the new legislation to ban smoking outside specific outdoor spaces such as children’s playgrounds, schools and hospitals. But the plans will be subject to consultation.
The previous Conservative government had announced similar measures to create the first smoke-free generation. However, those plans failed to become law before the general election in the summer when the party lost power.
The new legislation ensures anyone aged 15 this year, or younger, will be banned from buying cigarettes, and aims to make vapes less appealing to children.
The government said smoking causes about 80,000 deaths a year and costs the economy £21.8 billion a year in lost productivity and health and care costs – far outweighing tax receipts.
Britain banned smoking in almost all enclosed public spaces, including bars and workplaces, in 2007.
Cancer Research UK said this led to an estimated 1.9 million fewer smokers, and research in the British Medical Journal estimated there were 1,200 fewer hospital admissions for heart attacks the following year.
