Tobacco and Vapes Bill and What It Means for Vapers

In this article...

Changes to the bill under the new Government
Potential Impacts of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill
The Potential Impacts For Vaping And Vapers
Tobacco and Vapes Bill 2nd Reading
What's Next For The Tobacco and Vapes Bill?

Tobacco and Vapes Bill has been introduced to the UK parliament.
What does the Tobacco and Vapes bill mean to vapers?
What are the potential impacts of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, introduced to the UK Parliament on 5 November 2024[1], includes several measures that directly affect vapers. While aiming to promote a smoke-free generation, the bill is also planning to regulate vaping.

Some of the key points that could affect vapers are:

A ban on vape advertising

Proposals for a complete ban on advertising in traditional media and digitally, plus vape brands being blocked from sponsorships.

Restrictions on flavours, display, and packaging

The government will gain new powers to restrict the flavours, how vapes are displayed and packaged.

Potential extension of smoke-free areas

Considerations for extending current smoke-free restrictions to also include vaping. This includes vaping in public spaces such as outside hospitals.

Tougher enforcement and fines for retailers

A licensing scheme for retailers who sell vapes and other nicotine products. Retailers who sell these products to individuals under the legal age will face on-the-spot fines of £200.

This legislation comes on the back of other recent proposals targeting the vaping industry. These include the ban on disposable vapes on 1st June 2025[2] and the proposed vape tax, first introduced in the Spring budget, which is expected in October 2026[3].

Changes to the bill under the new Government

Much of the plans echo those proposed by the previous Conservative government[4], but the Labour government looks to stamp its own mark on the legislation. This bill introduces proposed extensions of smoke-free areas to include certain outdoor spaces, including school playgrounds. Also included are stricter licensing schemes for retailers. The latter has its benefits in combating rogue traders of illegal vapes.

Potential Impacts of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill

The Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA), expresses concern about the bill’s restrictions, particularly those related to flavours. They emphasise that these could make vaping less appealing to adults who are trying to quit smoking[5]. They also argue that flavours play an important role in helping smokers switch to vaping. However, restricting them could hinder the government’s own goal of making the UK smoke-free by 2030.

Chair of the IBVTA, Marcus Saxton, stated that:

“Excessive restrictions on the types of products that our members can provide may reduce the products' appeal. Even worse, they may contribute to continued misperceptions about the harm of vaping relative to tobacco smoking. Specifically, the role of flavours in supporting adult smokers to a successful quit attempt is accepted and understood by most public health stakeholders, and we believe to have been fundamental to the success of vaping in reducing smoking rates. Therefore, any reference to potential powers to restrict flavours is very worrying, as it threatens the government's own goal of the UK becoming smoke free by 2030.”

The bill acknowledges the role of vaping in smoking cessation, yet it also includes measures that could limit vapers’ access to information, choice of flavoured e-liquids, and places to vape. These include proposals to ban vape advertising and sponsorship, restriction of flavours and packaging, and plans to extend smoking bans to outdoor spaces.

This mixed approach, while intending to protect youths, may inadvertently impact adult smokers seeking to quit. The IBVTA stresses the need for balanced regulations that safeguard young people while ensuring adult smokers have access to effective quitting tools like vaping.

The Potential Impacts For Vaping And Vapers

The proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill promotes significant changes for the future of vaping in the UK. While aiming to protect young people from vaping, the bill also introduces measures that could have a considerable impact on adult vapers either already using vapes as a smoking cessation tool or smokers that might be looking towards vaping to help quit smoking.

Restrictions on vaping products

One major concern is the potential for reduced appeal and availability of vaping products. The bill grants the government powers to restrict flavours, packaging, and the display of vaping products in shops. This could make vaping less appealing to adult smokers looking for alternatives to traditional cigarettes. The IBVTA argues that such restrictions could hinder the government’s own smoke-free 2030 goal, highlighting the important role that vape flavours have in supporting smokers transitioning to vaping.

Limited access to information

A ban on vape advertising and sponsorship could make it harder for vapers to learn about new products and industry developments. This regulation has the potential to limit access to information needed to make informed decisions about vaping products. It could also hinder the spread of accurate information about vaping as a harm reduction tool.

Limiting where vapers can vape

The bill’s provision to extend the vaping ban to certain outdoor areas would significantly restrict where vapers can use their devices. This could create challenges for vapers who rely on these spaces and potentially lead to increased social stigma associated with vaping.

Increased cost on vaping

The recently announced duty on e-liquids will make vaping more expensive. This will disproportionately impact vapers with lower incomes, potentially making it harder for them to switch from smoking.

Overall, the future of vaping in the UK seems likely to be shaped by a complex interplay of regulations and public health concerns. While the Government aims to protect young people from nicotine addition via this bill, it remains important to consider the potential impact of these measures on adult smokers who use vaping as a harm reduction tool. The IBVTA emphasises the need for balanced policies that safeguard public health without undermining the progress made in reducing smoking rates through vaping.

Tobacco and Vapes Bill 2nd Reading

On 26 November 2024, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill was introduced to parliament for a 2nd reading, allowing for scrutiny from MPs in the house of commons[6]. The bill went through largely uncontested with 413 Ayes against 46 Noes and 187 No votes (abstained)[7]. In light of the resounding vote in favour, there were some important issues raised by MPs, highlighting the potential impacts of a vape flavour ban.

The Potential Impacts of a Flavour Ban

Mary Kelly Foy, MP for the City of Durham, is a strong advocate for vaping and the chair for the Responsible Vaping All-Party Parliamentary Group[8]. She raised some excellent points, echoing that of our own CEO, Marcus Saxton, by promoting the important role that vape flavours play in helping smokers quit cigarettes.

Foy raised concerns about the potential impact of flavour restrictions on adult smokers trying to quit. She went on to mention a recent study, stating that: “flavours are a key factor in helping smokers to make the transition to vaping. Research shows that about 65% of adult vapers find fruit-flavoured or sweet liquids preferable. If only tobacco flavours are available, many ex-smokers will return to smoking.”

Lee Dillon, MP for Newbury, spoke about his personal experience as a former smoker who successfully quit with the help of vaping. He also showed support for the bill’s overall aim but echoed Gildon's concerns about the potential impact of flavour restrictions.

He argued that the bill’s proposal for the ban on vape flavours could undermine the government’s smoke-free ambitions. Dillon referenced a recent study stating: “A study of more than 20,000 vapers showed that those who start with flavoured vapes or move from tobacco to flavoured vapes are more likely to quit smoking”.

Both Dillon and Foy highlighted the need for the right balance. While protecting young people from the potential harms of vaping is crucial, it’s just as important to ensure that adult smokers have access to the tools that can help them quit.

What’s Next For The Tobacco and Vapes Bill?

The bill now moves onto remaining stages in the House of Commons: committee stage, report stage, and a third reading. Only then will it move to the House of Lords for further scrutiny and potential amendments. Royal Assent from King Charles will be the final step in the legislative process.

View the full Tobacco and Vapes Bill to read the precise details.