VPZ slams delay on Tobacco and Vapes Bill, warns of “regulatory vacuum” for responsible retailers

VPZ has issued a rebuke to the UK government for stalling progress on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, warning that continued inaction is undermining the country’s smoke-free 2030 target and leaving responsible vape retailers operating in a policy vacuum.

The Edinburgh-based vape chain, the UK’s largest specialist with over 185 stores, has called on MPs to urgently fast-track the long-awaited Bill when Parliament returns from summer recess.

First introduced in April following its announcement in the King’s Speech, the Bill was billed as a flagship initiative to combat youth vaping and tighten controls around tobacco and vape sales. Yet it remains in legislative limbo with no clear timetable for advancement.

VPZ Operations Director Jamie Strachan said the lack of progress sends the wrong signal to both consumers and legitimate businesses.

“If MPs were serious about protecting public health, helping smokers quit, and stopping youth access to vaping, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill would have been passed by now,” he said. “We’ve heard the soundbites and seen the announcements – but action speaks louder than words, and right now, the inaction is deafening.”

The retailer stressed that the absence of an updated regulatory framework is creating a dual crisis: one of public health, as smoking remains the UK’s leading cause of preventable death; and one of enforcement, as illegal and non-compliant vape products continue to flood the market.

Disposable vapes sold via rogue imports and unscrupulous retailers have become a particular concern, with youth access on the rise and trading standards left struggling to keep pace with enforcement.

“Responsible retailers continue to operate in a regulatory vacuum, with little clarity on upcoming obligations, while bad actors face minimal deterrents,” said Strachan.

“With every passing day of delay, we miss another opportunity to take back control of the market, to drive out rogue sellers, to implement much-needed protections for young people, and to support millions of smokers in quitting for good.”

VPZ argues that urgent political will is now needed to bring clarity and credibility back to the sector, both to protect public health and support the industry’s role in helping adult smokers transition to less harmful alternatives.

The company also warned that the UK’s global standing as a leader in tobacco harm reduction is at risk. “The UK once led the world on tobacco harm reduction, with progressive public health policy that put science ahead of stigma. That leadership is fading fast,” Strachan added.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill includes provisions aimed at curbing youth vaping, potentially restricting flavours and packaging, and tightening rules around product displays and retailer compliance. However, with Parliament now in recess, the timeline for implementation remains uncertain.

As a retail-led business built on a foundation of responsible practice and customer education, VPZ said it is ready to support reforms but needs the legislative backing to do so effectively.

“We urgently need MPs from all parties to step up, put public health first, and deliver the legislation they promised,” said Strachan. “The clock is ticking, and the cost of delay is measured in lives.”

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is currently in the Committee stage in the House of Lords, after winning Commons backing in March.