Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has unveiled plans to change the law on the sale of tobacco so that the age of sale rises by one year, every year, until it applies to the whole population.
The move has the potential to phase out smoking in young people almost completely as early as 2040.
Sunak said: “I want to build a better and brighter future for our children, so that’s why I want to stamp out smoking for good. These changes will mean our kids will never be able to buy a cigarette, preventing them getting hooked and protecting their health both now and in the future.”
The government has also announced a further major crackdown on youth vaping, by announcing an intention to consult on plans to reduce the appeal and availability of vapes to children.
The consultation will look at:
- Restricting the flavours and descriptions of vapes so that vape flavours are no longer targeted at children.
- Regulating point of sale displays in retail outlets so that vapes are kept out of sight from children and away from products that appeal to them, such as sweets.
- Regulating vape packaging and product presentation, ensuring that neither the device nor its packaging is targeted to children.
- Restricting the sale of disposable vapes, which are clearly linked to the rise in vaping in children.
The government will also close loopholes in the law that allow children to get free samples and buy non-nicotine vapes.
In addition, enforcement activity will also be strengthened, with an investment of £30m to support agencies such as local trading standards, HMRC and Border Force to take action to stop underage sales and tackle the import of illicit tobacco and vaping products at the border.
In response, ACS chief executive James Lowman, said: “We will work with the government on how this policy will be implemented and enforced. Our sector has a proud record on preventing under age purchases, and we will continue to provide the advice members need to comply with whatever age restriction policy parliament decides on.”
He added: “We welcome further consultation on vaping products and hope the government will look carefully at increasing funding for enforcement activity to prevent underage sales and stamp out the sale of illegal vapes.”
John Dunne, Director General at UK Vaping Industry Association, urged the government not to implement further legislation when there is already appropriate legislation.
He said: “The UKVIA has been advocating for stronger measures to stop rogue retailers selling vapes to under-18s, including on the spot fines of up to £10,000 and a licensing scheme for retailers.”
Dunne added: “Vaping is proven to be the most effective way to quit and is in fact, twice as effective as all other methods combined. Any decision to restrict adult access to vapes, particularly disposable vapes, on which over half of smokers looking to give up rely, would be counterproductive.
“Similarly, research has shown that banning flavoured vapes will encourage a significant proportion of ex-smokers back to cigarettes, with potentially fatal consequences.”
