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Standard vape designs may reduce youth appeal but deter switching from smoking
A study of over 15,000 young people aged 16–29 across the UK, US, and Canada found that plain-coloured disposable vapes were less appealing than branded ones. Among those shown standardised designs, 67% expressed no interest in trying them, compared to 63% for branded vapes. For never-smokers or vapers, disinterest rose slightly from 91% to 93%. The largest drop in interest was among recent smokers who had not vaped—47.5% uninterested with plain designs versus 37.5% with branded ones. Perceived harm remained similar across groups. The study found that while standardisation could reduce youth vaping, it could also discourage smokers from switching - potentially limiting harm reduction benefits.
Source: News Medical, 21 May 2025
See also: Tattan-Birch, H., et al. Impact of standardising the colour and branding of vape devices on product appeal among young people: a randomised experiment in England, Canada and the United States. Tobacco Control. 2025. doi.org/10.1136/tc-2024-059210.
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Public urged to report illegal sales as disposable vape ban approaches
With a UK-wide ban on the sale and supply of disposable vapes due to come into effect on 1 June 2025, Trading Standards teams in Nottinghamshire are preparing to enforce the new rules and are asking the public and businesses to report any violations. The ban, intended to reduce environmental harm and curb youth vaping, will cover all single-use devices regardless of nicotine content and make it unlawful to sell or possess them for sale. Retailers must transition to only stocking reusable vapes that are rechargeable, refillable, and have user-replaceable coils.
Enforcement measures will include fines, product seizures, and, in serious cases, legal action that could lead to imprisonment. Consumers may still use disposable vapes bought before the ban and can recycle them at designated facilities.
Source: BBC News, 22 May 2025
See also: ASH - The 2025 Disposable Vapes Ban: What You Need to Know | DEFRA – Guidance: Single-use vapes ban: what businesses need to do
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NHS faces staff reductions and service disruption amid cost-cutting drive
Health officials in the East of England are warning of major workforce reductions across the NHS as integrated care boards (ICBs) prepare to halve their operational budgets. The move, mandated by the Department of Health and Social Care, could see hundreds of job losses and the merger of six regional ICBs into three larger entities. The Suffolk and North East Essex ICB alone is tasked with finding £17 million in savings before the end of next year. Health leaders have expressed concern over the scale and pace of the changes, citing potential disruption to services and staff morale. Proposals are being considered to retrain redundant staff through partnerships with local colleges, while national NHS bodies are pressing for voluntary redundancy schemes to help manage the impact.
Source: BBC News, 21st May 2025
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UK to delay junk food advertising ban until next year
The UK government has announced a delay in the implementation of the planned ban on unhealthy food advertisements on TV (before 9pm) and online, following lobbying from industry. Initially set to take effect in October, the ban is now expected to be postponed until January 2026. This decision follows lobbying from industry stakeholders, particularly over the broad scope of the rules, which were set to cover brand advertising. According to one government official, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) have now interpreted the rules in a different way to how ministers had intended, prompting the government to revise the legislation.
While the restrictions will apply to TV and online ads for products high in fat, salt, or sugar, the revised rules will exclude corporate brand marketing.
Source: Financial Times, 21 May 2025
See also: Government – Written statement: Childhood Obesity
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Hertfordshire: Council investigates smoking complaints in Hitchin public space
North Hertfordshire Council is looking into complaints regarding potential violations of smoke-free laws at The Arcade in Hitchin. Concerns were raised about smoking in the covered area, particularly at licensed premises, which may be violating the regulations. The Arcade was previously a non-smoking area, but signs were removed after redecoration. The council is now reviewing the situation and will engage with the management to address the issue. Residents are encouraged to report similar concerns to the Environmental Health team.
Source: The Comet, 21 May 2025
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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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