On Tuesday 26th November, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill was debated in parliament, and passed its second reading with 415 votes in favour and just 47 against. The Bill includes a ban on disposable vapes which Champs Directors have been advocating for.
This historic legislation positions the UK as a global leader in tobacco control, creating the first smokefree generation and leaving a lasting legacy for public health. However, every day its implementation is delayed, approximately 350 young people take up smoking, and 150 smoking-related cancers are diagnosed, so it is crucial that it is passed as swiftly and smoothly as possible.
The Bill retains all the core elements introduced by the previous government while adding several new measures to strengthen its impact. These include:
- Powers to create a retail licensing regime for the sale of tobacco and vapes.
- Powers to extend smokefree legislation to public, outdoor areas.
- Powers to prohibit vaping in smokefree places.
- Powers to regulate vape product design
- A ban on vape advertising and sponsorship.
- A ban on vape vending machines
- Further powers to regulate the design of vapes.
The Collaborative is continuing to engage with local MPs and other stakeholders to support the bill and to ensure that the voices of our local communities are heard.
You can support the Tobacco and Vapes Bill by emailing your MP. This takes just two minutes via Cancer Research UK’s website here: Ask your MP to help end cancers caused by smoking
