MPs are set to vote on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill today, which the health secretary calls an “urgent intervention” to help children “avoid a life imprisoned by addiction”.
The proposed law looks to clamp down on the sale and advertising of vapes to young people, as well as provide more funding for stop-smoking services.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the amount of children vaping “is growing at an alarming rate and without urgent intervention, we’re going to have a generation of children with long-term addiction”.
“It is unacceptable that these harmful products are being deliberately targeted at children with brightly coloured packaging and flavours like ‘gummy bear’ and ‘rainbow burst’,” he added.
“The Tobacco and Vapes Bill provides the protection that children and young people need to avoid a life imprisoned by addiction.
“That’s why it’s so incredibly important it is voted through.”
What does the bill include?
A total ban on vape advertising and sponsorship will be brought in should the bill pass, with a possible ban on the sale of sweet vape flavours also on the table subject to consultation.
Anyone born after 1 January 2009 will also be prevented from legally smoking by gradually raising the age at which tobacco can be bought.
The sale of all vaping and nicotine products to those under 18 years old – including nicotine pouches and non-nicotine vapes – would also be banned.
Powers would also be provided to councils in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to introduce a licensing scheme for retailers to sell tobacco, vape and nicotine products.
It would also include on-the-spot fines of £200 for any shopkeepers found to be selling to those underage, and provide stop smoking services with £70m in funding.
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