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Minister pledges action on children’s health amid rising concerns over vaping and obesity
The Schools Minister, Stephen Morgan MP, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving child health across the UK amid growing concern over issues such as vaping in schools, obesity, and developmental delays in the early years. The government plans to introduce tighter restrictions on vape marketing and ban disposable vapes, alongside efforts to reduce children's exposure to fast food advertising and limit takeaway outlets near schools. While the minister stressed the importance of cross-department collaboration to support young people, critics argue that current welfare policies risk deepening child poverty, which is closely linked to poor health outcomes. A new strategy to tackle child poverty is expected later this year.
Source: The Mirror, 19 April 2025
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Independent retailers seek urgent talks as anti-smoking bill raises closure fears
A group of 24 small shop owners has called on the government to engage with them over proposed legislation that they claim could impact their businesses. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which includes stricter advertising rules and new regulations on vape flavours, is set to be reviewed in the House of Lords. Retailers argue that the measures, combined with increased employment costs and ongoing economic pressures, could lead to widespread closures and job losses across the sector. Concerns have also been raised about the safety of shop staff facing more confrontational enforcement duties. While the government maintains its commitment to reducing smoking rates, it has pledged to consult further before implementing specific regulations.
Source: Daily Mail, 20 April 2025
Editorial note: Evidence indicates that a majority of small retailers support the smokefree generation policy. According to polling commissioned by ASH over half (51%) of small retailers in England and Wales support raising the age of sale for tobacco, almost twice the proportion opposed (26%).
See also: ASH press release - New polling shows majority of small retailers support the government’s smokefree generation policy
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Nicotine pouches under scrutiny amid claims of increased teen usage
Nicotine pouches, a smokeless and tobacco-free product delivering high doses of nicotine, are reportedly gaining popularity among teenagers in the UK, prompting concern among health experts and policymakers. These products can legally be sold to under-18s, often appearing in sweet-style packaging and flavours that appeal to young users. Some brands have marketed pouches as an alternative to disposable vapes following the ban, with others promoting them as a way to improve focus when studying. Health professionals warn of potential addiction risks and unknown long-term effects on brain development. The government is preparing legislation to prohibit sales to minors and enforce stricter regulations on advertising and nicotine levels. While industry leaders claim the products are safer alternatives for adult smokers, critics argue that marketing practices continue to attract a younger audience.
Source: The Sunday Times, 20 April 2025
Editorial note: The latest evidence from the ASH/YouGov Smokefree GB survey suggested that the proportion of young people aged 11-18 who have ever tried nicotine pouches is 3.3% and that 1.2% describe themselves as current users.
See also: Nicotine and Tobacco Research - Prevalence of Nicotine Pouch Use Among Youth and Adults in Great Britain-Analysis of Cross-Sectional, Nationally Representative Surveys
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Nicotine pouch use among teens raises concerns
Health professionals and educators are alarmed by a reported rise in nicotine pouch use among teenagers, warning of a potential public health crisis. The small, flavoured pouches—currently unregulated and available without age restriction—are gaining popularity, with some surveys suggesting widespread use among 15 to 18-year-olds. Their appeal has been heightened by use by well-known footballers, leading to fears that young fans may be emulating their sporting idols. Experts are calling for urgent regulatory action to address the sale, marketing, and content of these products, as the government prepares new legislation.
Source: The Mail on Sunday, 20 April 2025
Editorial note: This article suggests a survey said that half of 15-18 year olds use nicotine pouches. However, the data referenced is from a recent survey by the DSM foundation that suggested 46% of 15-18 year olds are aware that people in their year group use nicotine pouches, not that they use them themselves. The latest peer-reviewed evidence suggests that around 1.2% of 11-18 year olds are current users of nicotine pouches. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will prohibit sale of nicotine pouches to children and ban advertising for all non-medicinal nicotine products, including pouches.
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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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