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** 30 May 2025
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** UK
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** Public urges stronger action on tobacco as support grows for smokefree policies (#1)
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** UK-wide tobacco and vape restrictions move forward with Scottish backing (#2)
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** ASH Chief Executive Hazel Cheeseman on the BBC Breakfast sofa discussing the disposable vapes ban (#3)
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** Shropshire vape retailer believes disposable ban will be good for business (#4)
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** Opinion: Book-based method offers vaping quitters a nicotine-free path, but experts urge more scrutiny (#5)
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** International
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** France to ban smoking in outdoor areas frequented by children (#6)
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** Spain plans to ban smoking on bar and restaurant terraces (#7)
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** Link of the week
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** Take part: Study on smoking cessation support in lung cancer screening programs (#8)
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** UK
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** Public urges stronger action on tobacco as support grows for smokefree policies

As the UK moves closer to implementing the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, new polling highlights widespread support for a tobacco-free future, with the majority backing a ban on cigarette sales to future generations. The survey, commissioned by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), found rising approval for a range of tobacco control measures, including retail licensing, plain packaging, and a levy on tobacco companies to fund public health initiatives.

Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of ASH, underscored the public’s demand for greater accountability from the tobacco industry, which continues to profit while contributing to national health burdens. Support also extends to curbing youth vaping through restrictions on product design and marketing, and to expanding smokefree areas in schools, hospitals, and transport hubs. The findings suggest a cross-party consensus among the public for more decisive government action.

Source: Smiley News, 30 May 2025

See also: ASH press release - Majority of Public Support Smokefree Generation as New Polling Shows Overwhelming Public Backing for Tougher Action on Tobacco. ([link removed])
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See also: ASH report – Public Support for a Smokefree Society ([link removed])
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** UK-wide tobacco and vape restrictions move forward with Scottish backing

The Scottish Parliament has endorsed new UK legislation aimed at curbing smoking and youth vaping through a generational tobacco ban and tighter controls on vape products. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will make it illegal for anyone born in or after 2009 to purchase tobacco, while also introducing measures to limit the marketing, flavours, and packaging of vaping devices to reduce their appeal to young people. The legislation, which has already passed the House of Commons and is under consideration in the House of Lords, is part of a broader strategy to improve public health across the UK.

Source: BBC News, 29 May 2025
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** ASH Chief Executive Hazel Cheeseman on the BBC Breakfast sofa discussing the disposable vapes ban

In this BBC Breakfast episode, hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt are joined by Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive at Action on Smoking and Health. Cheeseman joins the hosts to discuss the impact of the disposable vapes ban. You can watch the segment with Cheeseman's interview from 01:15. Please note this episode will only be available on iPlayer for 24 hours.

Source: BBC Breakfast, 30 May 2025
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** Shropshire vape retailer believes disposable ban will be good for business

As the UK prepares to enforce a ban on disposable vapes, the BBC sought opinion from retailers in Shropshire. Some specialist shops see the change as an opportunity to grow their customer base by promoting reusable alternatives, while some convenience store staff expressed uncertainty about the impact. The ban, which targets environmental and youth health concerns, prohibits the sale of single-use vapes but still allows their possession. Public reaction in Shrewsbury has been largely supportive, with many residents calling for even stricter controls to protect children and reduce waste.

Source: BBC News, 30 May 2025
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** Opinion: Book-based method offers vaping quitters a nicotine-free path, but experts urge more scrutiny

Writing in the Observer, Journalist Elle Hunt shares her personal success in quitting vaping after reading The Easy Way to Stop Smoking by Allen Carr, a book originally intended for cigarette smokers. Despite initial scepticism, she found the method effective in addressing her psychological dependence on nicotine. Carr’s approach was developed in the 1980s and is now applied to a range of addictions.

However, as the method receives growing support, including limited adoption within government funded services, concerns have been raised about its broader efficacy and inclusivity. Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), calls for further evaluation, especially to determine whether the method is equally effective for all socioeconomic groups. She also highlights the risk that those who fail with Carr’s method may be discouraged from using other evidence-based aids, such as nicotine-replacement therapies.

While many, including Hunt, report transformative experiences, the method’s universality and rejection of mainstream, evidence-based, cessation aids remain points of debate among public health experts.

Source: The Observer, 30 May 2025
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** International
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** France to ban smoking in outdoor areas frequented by children

In July, France will prohibit smoking in various outdoor locations where children are commonly present, such as beaches, parks, school surroundings, bus stops, and sports facilities. The government will impose fines on those who break the rules, though smoking on café and bar terraces will still be permitted. While vaping products are currently exempt from the ban, regulations on their nicotine levels are being considered. Despite a decline in daily smoking rates to historically low levels, tobacco-related illnesses continue to cause a significant number of deaths annually. Public opinion largely supports restrictions on smoking in public outdoor spaces.

Source: BBC News, 29 May 2025
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Read Here ([link removed])


** Spain plans to ban smoking on bar and restaurant terraces

Spain is preparing to extend smoking prohibitions to outdoor areas of bars and restaurants, including a ban on traditional tobacco, electronic cigarettes, and heated tobacco products. The proposed legislation, still awaiting government and parliamentary approval, would also cover places such as school playgrounds, university campuses, company vehicles, public transport shelters, and outdoor events. This move forms part of Spain’s wider anti-smoking strategy, which includes increased support for quitting smoking and higher taxes on tobacco-related items. The plan aligns Spain with other European countries, like France and Italy, that are considering similar expansions to their smoking bans.

Source: Euronews, 29 May 2025
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Read Here ([link removed])


** Link of the week
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** Take part: Study on smoking cessation support in lung cancer screening programs

Researchers at Flinders University, in collaboration with colleagues across Australia and the USA, are conducting a study on how smoking cessation support is delivered within lung cancer screening programs. The aim is to identify effective implementation strategies to inform Australia’s upcoming National Lung Cancer Screening Program. The very short survey will take around 10 minutes and is intended for researchers and professionals working in smoking cessation, tobacco control, and/or lung cancer screening. A random gift card prize draw will be offered for participants. This study is funded by Tour de Cure and led by Mr Nathan Harrison (mailto:[email protected]) for his PhD project.

The researchers would greatly appreciate your participation, or your sharing of the link with other colleagues who may be eligible.
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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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