Generational tobacco ban is set to go ahead next year
THE Tobacco and Vapes Bill has officially made its way through UK Parliament and will come into force from 1 January 2027.
The Bill is now set to receive Royal Assent with no further changes to be implemented from MPs or members of the House of Lords.
This means the hotly debated generational tobacco ban is now set to come into force from next year, meaning any consumer born after 1 January 2009 will no longer be able to purchase tobacco products.
And whilst the introduction of this ban will also be a devolved matter, the Scottish Government has previously agreed to introduce the legislation across the country from next year.
Speaking at the debate at the House of Lords, Lord Naseby said: “It upsets a great many people in that industry that the Government have not listened to the strong representations of the retailers and those who have knowledge of the industry. We have a situation now where we have a £200 penalty, which is huge by any yardstick, for the revised incidences.”
In a bid to assist retailer to prepare for the introduction of the generational tobacco ban, the Association of Convenience Stores has introduced a new range of materials and guidance that store owners can follow.
Additionally, vaping will also be banned in cars that are carrying children, in playgrounds, outside schools and at hospitals.
Despite the further restrictions set to come into force next year, many have made the argument that the Bill does not go far enough in regards to the nicotine pouch sector.
Markus Linblad, head of legal & external affairs at Haypp, believes more restrictions should be introduced across the category in the interest of consumer health, whilst advocating for nicotine pouches as a key way to help achieve the UK’s smoke-free ambition.
He said: “A critically important element of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is that it gives the government the power to regulate nicotine pouch products. Nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco nor produce vapour, so they fell outside the scope of existing nicotine product laws.
“Introducing regulations such as an 18+ age-of-sale and an upper limit of 20mg of nicotine per pouch will help send the message that these products are for adult nicotine users only.
“Oral nicotine products have enabled Sweden to achieve smoke-free status, and with sensible regulation arising from this Bill, pouches can play a similar role driving down smoking rates in the UK.”
