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.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is a parliamentary bill aimed at promoting public health by reducing tobacco use in 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 has passed its first two readings and is due to have its report stage and third reading in the House of Commons on a date to be announced. 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]
Background
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][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] The bill passed its first reading on 20 March 2024 and its second reading on 16 April 2024, with MPs allowed a whip-free vote on the matter.[6][7] However the decision to call a summer 2024 general election meant that Parliament was dissolved and 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.[8]
On 24 October 2024, the 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.[9]
On 5 November 2024, the 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.[10]
Summary of the bill
The bill makes it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009, aiming to create a smoke-free generation.[11] It restricts advertising and sales of nicotine products, including a ban on selling vapes to anyone under 18 and selling them through vending machines. The bill also allows regulation of vaping products[12] and expands smoke-free areas to include playgrounds and locations near schools and hospitals.[13]
Parliamentary passage
House of Commons
The Bill received its first reading on 5 November 2024. The second reading with a debate and votes from MPs occurred on 26 November.[14] It was passed with 415 in favour to 47 against.[15]
It was then sent to a Public Bill Committee which debated the Bill, and reported it with amendments to the House of Commons on 30 January 2025. It is now due to have its report stage and third reading on a date to be announced.
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