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** 14 April 2025
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** UK
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** Report predicts job losses and closures under new smoking legislation (#1)
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** Concerns over enforcement of disposable vapes ban (#2)
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** Alcohol-related deaths continue to rise, deepening health inequalities (#3)
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** Food giants escalate ad spending as junk food rules approach (#4)
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** Parliamentary Activity
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** Written answers (#6)
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** UK
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** Report predicts job losses and closures under new smoking legislation

A new report says that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill could lead to economic disruption, particularly for small retailers. According to the University of Essex report, the generational sales ban—which incrementally raises the legal smoking age each year—could result in the closure of over 250 convenience stores annually and the loss of up to 70,000 retail jobs over the next 30 years. While the government argues the bill will create a smoke-free generation and reduce long-term health harms, a handful of critics fear it may hurt retailers in deprived areas and lead to unintended economic consequences.

Source: The Telegraph, 13 April 2025

Editorial note: This report, which does not appear to be peer reviewed, relies on figures that are nearly a decade old and are likely to no longer reflect current market conditions in small retail. More recent evidence indicates that a majority of small retailers support the smokefree generation policy. According to the largest poll of public opinion to date, over half (51%) of small retailers in England and Wales support raising the age of sale for tobacco, almost twice the proportion opposed (26%).

Recent analysis from the University of Edinburgh shows that footfall related to tobacco sales in small retail outlets has fallen by nearly 40% over the past decade, with tobacco now accounting for just 10% of profits. The same study highlights that vapes, which are recommended as a smoking cessation aid, are four times more profitable than tobacco.

See ASH press release - New polling shows majority of small retailers support the government’s smokefree generation policy ([link removed])

See ASH press release - Vapes four times more profitable to convenience stores than tobacco ([link removed])
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** Concerns over enforcement of disposable vapes ban

Some campaigners, including Conservative MP, Jack Rankin, have expressed concern that the government lacks the capacity and funding to enforce the upcoming disposable vapes ban. Critics worry that funding and recruitment enforcement falls short of estimates required to police the ban effectively. Trading Standards figures show that 1.2 million illegal vapes in 2023-24, a 59% increase from the previous year. The restrictions, which will come into force on the 1 June 2025, are part of broader legislation targeting vape products and advertising. Critics fear that weak enforcement could embolden criminal networks and harm small businesses.

Source: MailOnline, 13 April 2025

Editorial note: The UK has established a comprehensive and coordinated anti-smuggling strategy, led by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Border Force, and local trading standards authorities. The recent increase in seizures are likely indicative of the growing effectiveness of this strategy, with local enforcement operations such as Operation Joseph ([link removed]) locating and removing large numbers of illicit vaping products from the market.

The consistent decline in the illicit tobacco market since 2000, alongside steadily rising tobacco taxes, shows the UK’s strong enforcement capabilities. This success, recognised by the World Bank in its 2019 report ([link removed]) , demonstrates that the UK has the operational and regulatory capacity required to combat illicit trade effectively. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill ([link removed]) will further strengthen enforcement and provide powers to introduce a retail licensing scheme for tobacco and vapes.
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** Alcohol-related deaths continue to rise, deepening health inequalities

A new study from the University of Sheffield and University College London has highlighted a troubling and ongoing increase in alcohol-related deaths in England, marking a sharp departure from pre-pandemic trends. Researchers estimate that nearly 4,000 additional deaths occurred between 2020 and 2022 than would have been expected without the pandemic’s influence.

The leading cause of these fatalities has been identified as alcohol-induced liver disease, with men, individuals living in deprived areas, and those aged 50 to 69 experiencing the greatest impact. By 2023, up to 8,274 deaths were recorded, suggesting that the crisis is worsening. The findings also point to a deepening of existing health disparities, with men remaining twice as likely as women to die from alcohol-related causes, and deprived communities seeing almost triple the number of excess deaths compared to more affluent areas.

Experts suggest pandemic-related behavioural changes, economic pressures, and mental health challenges may have contributed to the increased consumption. The study calls for urgent investment in health services to address the growing burden of alcohol-related harm.

Source: BBC News, 11 April 2025

Editorial note: Media stories covering prevention of ill-health are being included in ASH Daily News because policy change in these areas is indicative of the Government’s position on prevention and their attitudes to harm-causing industries.
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** Food giants escalate ad spending as junk food rules approach

In the lead-up to new regulations restricting the promotion of unhealthy foods, major food brands increased their advertising expenditure by £420 million in 2024—a 26% rise compared to the previous year. This surge in marketing coincided with an additional 45.4 million packs of snacks sold, suggesting a link between increased advertising and consumer behaviour.

Campaigners and researchers have raised concerns that companies are exploiting gaps in the upcoming rules, which only cover some advertising. Brand-only adverts, outdoor posters, and influencer partnerships remain largely unaffected. Critics argue that this strategy mirrors tactics once used by the tobacco industry to sidestep restrictions.

With the regulations set to take effect in October, health advocates worry their impact will be undermined without tighter controls, especially given the disproportionate exposure to junk food advertising in deprived areas.

Source: The Guardian, 12 April 2025
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** Parliamentary Activity
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** Written answers

Asked by Tristan Osborne, Chatham and Aylesford, Labour

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the introduction of a retailer licensing scheme, as outlined in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

Answered by Alex Norris, Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Local Growth, Nottingham North and Kimberley, Labour

The landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill will be the biggest public health intervention in a generation—tackling the harms of smoking, breaking the cycle of addition, and paving the way for a smoke-free UK. The Bill provides powers for Ministers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to introduce a licensing scheme for the retail sale of tobacco, vapes and nicotine products. This will strengthen enforcement and support Trading Standards to crack down on rogue retailers.

The licensing scheme will be introduced in regulations, following consultation on the details of the scheme.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government has worked closely with the Department of Health and Social Care, and will continue to do so as the regulations are developed, to ensure the successful implementation of the scheme.

Source: Hansard, 11 April 2025
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For more information email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or visit www.ash.org.uk
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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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