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** 7 April 2025
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** UK
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** Opinion: The case for a ‘polluter pays’ levy (#1)
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** Public backs stronger health measures including smoking and alcohol curbs (#2)
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** Pub landlord backs outdoor smoking ban to boost business (#3)
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** Crackdown uncovers nearly £400k in illegal vapes and tobacco (#4)
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** International
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** US Health secretary admits errors in federal workforce cuts, including tobacco regulation roles (#5)
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** Parliamentary Activity
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** Written answers (#6)
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** UK
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** Opinion: The case for a ‘polluter pays’ levy

Writing in the Grocer, Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), sets out the rational for the new measures on tobacco control called for by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Smoking and Health.

The APPG’s recent report argues that the highly addictive nature of tobacco demands a bold and well-funded government strategy. The report calls for the government to support a raft of measures, including a ‘polluter pays’ levy which would be used to finance the wider programme.

According to Cheeseman and the APPG, the proposed levy would not impact retailers, but would instead regulate retail price and cap the tobacco industry’s profits at 10%. With the industry currently making around £900 million annually, the levy would redirect £700 million to Government.

Cheeseman argues that a levy, and bold regulation would support the economy, increase quit-rates and ultimately save lives. ASH analysis also shows that retailers support stronger regulations, as they see very little of the profits generated by tobacco. Cheeseman concludes by referencing analysis from Landman Economics, which reveals that the tobacco industry generates minimal employment, attracts scant investment, and steers consumer spending away from more profitable goods. The analysis suggests that halting tobacco sales entirely could provide a £10 billion boost to the UK economy.

Source: The Grocer, 4 April 2025

See also: APPG on Smoking and Health - A Roadmap to a Smokefree Country: No one starts, everyone stops, no profit in tobacco ([link removed]) | Landman Economics - The economic impact of a smokefree United Kingdom – 2024 update: technical report ([link removed]) | ASH – Press Release ([link removed])
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** Public backs stronger health measures including smoking and alcohol curbs

A recent survey has shown strong public backing for a range of more ambitious government measures to improve public health. According to the Health Foundation poll, 73% of adults support extending smoking bans to areas like playgrounds, hospital grounds, and outside schools. Almost half (49%) would also support a smoking ban in places such as pub beer gardens, a third opposing it.

Support was also high for a tax on manufacturers of foods high in sugar and salt, with 62% in favour if the revenue were used to provide fruit and vegetables to low-income families. On alcohol policy, 46% of respondents support introducing a minimum unit price, while 48% would back a ban on alcohol advertising at sporting events.

Adam Briggs, senior policy fellow at the Health Foundation, warned that without significant policy shifts, the Government risks failing in its goals to improve public health and reduce inequality. With alcohol-related deaths rising by 40% since before the pandemic and poor diets continuing to drive ill-health, analysts stress the urgent need for bold preventive measures.

Source: The Independent, 7 April 2025

See also: The Health Foundation - Public backs action to tackle tobacco, unhealthy food and alcohol amidst health crisis ([link removed])
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** Pub landlord backs outdoor smoking ban to boost business

The landlord of a Kent pub has introduced a complete smoking ban, including in its outdoor areas, arguing that it will enhance the experience for most customers and ultimately attract more visitors. Despite backlash from some patrons who criticised the move as overreaching, the landlord maintains that the policy aligns with the pub’s dining-focused atmosphere and will prove beneficial. He believes the decision sets his venue apart and anticipates that others may follow suit. While acknowledging that some regulars may stop coming, he is confident the change will lead to increased custom overall.

Source: Daily Express, 6 April 2025
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** Crackdown uncovers nearly £400k in illegal vapes and tobacco

Authorities in Northamptonshire have seized illicit vaping and tobacco products valued at over £394,000 during inspections of 30 shops earlier this year. The enforcement action, carried out by local police and Trading Standards, resulted in the confiscation of 8,469 unauthorised vapes, more than 193,000 illegal cigarettes, over 1,500 packets of hand-rolling tobacco, and 405 cigars.

Source: BBC News, 7 April 2025
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** International
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** US Health secretary admits errors in federal workforce cuts, including tobacco regulation roles

US health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr has acknowledged that 20% of the 10,000 job cuts at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) were made in error and will need to be reversed. Among the affected areas was the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including its division responsible for tobacco policy. These cuts, part of a broader downsizing drive under the Trump administration’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (Doge), also impacted vital programmes such as child lead exposure monitoring. Experts in areas like smoking and infertility have been lost, raising concerns about the long-term impact on public health.

Source: The Guardian, 4 April 2025
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** Parliamentary Activity
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** Written answers

Helen Morgan, Liberal Democrat, North Shropshire

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will ensure that outdoor hospitality areas remain outside the scope of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

Ashley Dalton, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Labour, West Lancashire

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will put us on track towards a smoke-free UK, was introduced to Parliament on 5 November 2024. On 26 March 2025, MPs voted overwhelmingly in favour of advancing the Bill to the next Parliamentary stage and it has now entered the House of Lords.

The Bill allows us to expand current indoor smoking restrictions to outdoor public places and workplaces. However, we have been very clear that in England, we intend to consult on extending smoke-free places to outside schools, children’s playgrounds and hospitals but not outdoor hospitality settings or wider open spaces like beaches. Private outdoor spaces are out of scope of the powers in the Bill.

We do not intend to extend these powers further than this at this time and recognise that now would not be the right time to consult on making outdoor hospitality settings smoke-free in England.

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** Helen Morgan, Liberal Democrat, North Shropshire

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will ensure that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill does not lead to (a) restrictions and (b) bans on smoking in outside areas of hospitality businesses.

Ashley Dalton, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Labour, West Lancashire

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will put us on track towards a smoke-free UK, was introduced to Parliament on 5 November 2024. On 26 March 2025, MPs voted overwhelmingly in favour of advancing the Bill to the next Parliamentary stage and it has now entered the House of Lords.

The Bill allows us to expand current indoor smoking restrictions to outdoor public places and workplaces. However, we have been very clear that in England, we intend to consult on extending smoke-free places to outside schools, children’s playgrounds and hospitals but not outdoor hospitality settings or wider open spaces like beaches. Private outdoor spaces are out of scope of the powers in the Bill.

We do not intend to extend these powers further than this at this time and recognise that now would not be the right time to consult on making outdoor hospitality settings smoke-free in England.

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ASH Daily News is a digest of published news on smoking-related topics. ASH is not responsible for the content of external websites. ASH does not necessarily endorse the material contained in this bulletin.

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