The UK Government is currently consulting on proposals to further restrict the promotion and packaging of tobacco products, vapes and nicotine pouches as part of ongoing efforts to protect children and young people from marketing that could encourage uptake.
The consultation is seeking views on measures designed to reduce the appeal of these products to young people and support the Government’s ambition to create a smokefree generation.
Public health organisations, including Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), are encouraging health professionals, partners and members of the public to take part in the consultation and share their views before it closes on 2 October.
Why is this important?
Tobacco remains the leading preventable cause of illness and death, while youth vaping continues to be an area of growing concern. Restricting the promotion of tobacco, vape and nicotine products is intended to help reduce the likelihood of young people being exposed to marketing that may influence their attitudes and behaviours.
ASH has highlighted concerns that industry and consumer groups are actively encouraging people to respond in opposition to the proposals. For this reason, health organisations are being encouraged to ensure that supporters of stronger protections for children and young people also make their voices heard.
How to respond
Submitting a response is quick and straightforward, taking only a few minutes to complete online.
If you support stronger measures to help protect children and young people from tobacco, vape and nicotine pouch marketing, you are encouraged to take part in the consultation before it closes.
Consultation deadline: 2 October
Respond to the consultation: Tobacco and vapes: packaging, appearance and display – Department of Health and Social Care
Response guide from ASH: Have your say on tobacco and vape packaging, appearance and display – ASH
Please share with colleagues and networks
We encourage colleagues, partners, professional networks and interested members of the public to review the proposals and submit a response.
Every response helps ensure decision-makers hear a broad range of views on measures intended to protect future generations from the harms associated with tobacco use and nicotine addiction.
