Overview

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to reduce smoking and vaping rates, particularly among young people, by tightening regulations on the sale, distribution, advertising, and use of tobacco and nicotine products. This includes raising the legal smoking age, banning the sale of snus, and introducing licensing schemes for tobacco retailers.

Description

The bill covers various aspects of tobacco and vaping product control across the UK.

Sale and Distribution

Key changes include raising the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products to those born after 1 January 2009. The sale of unpackaged cigarettes will be prohibited. The bill bans the manufacture and sale of snus (oral tobacco). Similar restrictions apply to vaping and nicotine products, including a ban on sales to under-18s and vending machines. Retail licensing schemes are introduced in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Restricted premises and restricted sale orders can be issued for persistent offenders.

Product and Information Requirements

The bill empowers the Secretary of State to regulate product requirements, including retail packaging, product features, contents, flavorings, and substances released into the body. It also introduces registration and information requirements for producers and importers, requiring them to provide information on their products and submit studies on health and safety aspects. The bill allows for the imposition of fixed penalties for certain offences.

Advertising and Sponsorship

The bill aims to control advertising and promotion of tobacco, vapes, and other products. It introduces offences for publishing, designing, printing, and distributing advertisements for these products. Specific provisions address internet services and brand-sharing. Sponsorship of tobacco products is also restricted, and vaping and nicotine product sponsorship is banned from a specified date onwards.

Smoke-Free Places

The bill expands smoke-free places across the UK, with provisions to make certain locations vape-free and heated tobacco-free, including the introduction of no-vaping and no-heated tobacco signs, in addition to already existing smoke-free zones.

Government Spending

The bill's financial impact is not explicitly detailed. However, it's anticipated that increased enforcement and administration of the licensing schemes would require additional government funding, although exact figures are unavailable in this bill text.

Groups Affected

• Tobacco Retailers: Face new licensing requirements, restrictions on displays, and potential penalties for non-compliance.
• Vaping Retailers: Similar restrictions as tobacco retailers, especially concerning sales to minors.
• Young People: Will face stricter regulations on purchasing tobacco and vaping products, with higher penalties for those found to be in breach of the law.
• Snus Manufacturers and Distributors: Businesses involved will be prohibited from manufacturing and selling snus products.
• Advertising and Marketing Agencies: Will face restrictions on creating and distributing advertisements for tobacco and vaping products.
• Businesses and Organisations: New responsibilities and liabilities concerning smoke-free, vape-free, and heated tobacco-free zones.
• Local Authorities: Increased enforcement responsibilities for the regulations of this bill.

Powered by nyModel