The government will introduce plans for tougher action to protect people from the harms of smoking in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill today
Tougher action to better protect the public, NHS and the economy from the harms of smoking will be set out in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, introduced in Parliament today.
The world-leading Bill will include measures to create a smokefree generation, phasing-out the sale of tobacco products across the UK to anyone aged 15 or younger this year, breaking the cycle of addiction and disadvantage.
In addition, the government will be given powers to extend the indoor smoking ban to specific outdoor spaces: with children’s playgrounds, outside schools and hospitals all being considered, subject to consultation.
This sits alongside a ban in the Bill on vape advertising and sponsorship, as well as powers to restrict the flavours, display and packaging of all types of vapes, as well as other nicotine products.
Disposable vapes are also due to be banned from 1 June 2025 under separate environmental legislation.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is part of the government’s reform agenda to shift the focus of healthcare from sickness to prevention and will address one of the biggest risk factors driving poor health.
Smoking claims around 80,000 lives a year in the UK, putting huge pressure on our NHS, taking up appointments, scans and operations, and costing taxpayers £3.1 billion a year.
The cost of smoking to the economy is even greater, with £18 billion lost in productivity every year, as smokers are a third more likely to be off work sick.
Tobacco is a uniquely harmful product, responsible for 1-in-4 of all cancer deaths and killing up to two-thirds of its long-term users. Smoking also substantially increases the risk of many major health conditions throughout people’s lives, such as strokes, diabetes, heart disease, stillbirth, dementia and asthma.
Almost every minute, someone is admitted to hospital because of smoking and up to 75,000 GP appointments can be attributed to smoking each month – over 100 every hour.
There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke and this is particularly true for children – whose lungs and immune system aren’t as well developed as adults – as well as pregnant women and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said:
The government will also take tougher action to crack down on youth vaping, with 25% of 11 to 15-year-olds having tried vaping in 2023.
Subject to consultation, the government is considering extending restrictions in places that are currently smoke free to also become vape free, especially in areas where there are children and young adults.
Together, these measures will help protect children from becoming hooked on nicotine while continuing to enable adult smokers to use vapes as a quit aid.
Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty, said:
Professor Sanjay Agrawal, NHS England national speciality advisor for tobacco dependency, said:
The Bill will also include powers to introduce a licensing scheme for retailers to sell tobacco, vape and nicotine products in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and will introduce on the spot fines of £200 to retailers found to be selling these products to people underage.
These measures will protect law abiding businesses and tackle illicit products from being sold.
The number of cancer cases caused by smoking has increased by 17% since 2003, with 20 additional people a day being diagnosed with cancer caused by smoking compared to 20 years ago.
Smoking is also a significant driver of inequality and poverty with mortality rates attributed to smoking in the most deprived areas of England more than double that in the least deprived areas.
The majority of smokers start before the age of 20 and are then addicted for life. Less than 17% of smokers state they want to continue smoking.
The government will support current smokers to quit by exploring standardising packaging for all tobacco products, for example cigars or pipe tobacco. We will also ensure all hospitals integrate ‘opt-out’ smoking cessation interventions into routine care. This will complement existing programmes to help support smokers quit.
Just last month in England, the Health and Social Care Secretary launched the public engagement that will inform the government’s 10 Year Health Plan to deliver three big shifts in healthcare – hospital to community, analogue to digital and from sickness to prevention – to make the NHS fit for the future.
In England, hospitality settings, including outside areas of pubs and bars, will not be included in the proposed extension to the indoor smoking ban.
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, chief executive at the British Heart Foundation, said:
Dr Ian Walker, executive director of Policy at Cancer Research UK, said:
Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive at Action on Smoking, said:
Henry Gregg, director of external affairs at Asthma + Lung UK, said:
Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: