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** 23 June 2025
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** UK
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** Public support rises for smoke-free beaches (#1)
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** Smoking linked to 500 deaths a year in Wiltshire, says report (#2)
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** Health experts push for mandatory cancer warnings on alcohol packaging (#3)
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** Majority of children in nine areas of England projected to be living with overweight or obesity by 2035 (#4)
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** International
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** US supreme court ruling allows vaping firms wider legal challenges to FDA decisions (#5)
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** Republic of Ireland: Cork county council likely to ban smoking and vaping in public amenity areas (#6)
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** UK
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** Public support rises for smoke-free beaches

A recent ASH YouGov survey found that 61% of 1,125 respondents in Yorkshire and the Humber support banning smoking on beaches. On Cleethorpes beach in Lincolnshire, views were mixed—some called for designated smoking areas, while others supported a full ban due to health and litter concerns. Vaping was viewed more favourably by some, seen as less harmful in public spaces. While Lincolnshire currently has no restrictions, other UK regions have introduced smoke-free beach policies.

Scott Crosby, associate director of the Humber and North Yorkshire Centre for Excellence in Tobacco Control, said the findings show strong public backing for further measures, adding that continued action is needed to reduce harm and support smokers to quit.

Source: BBC News, 20 June 2025

See also: ASH – Public support for a Smokefree Society ([link removed])
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** Smoking linked to 500 deaths a year in Wiltshire, says report

A new report presented to Wiltshire councillors shows that smoking causes around 500 deaths annually in the county, with 15,000 people living with serious related illnesses. The update provided marks one year of the county’s Smokefree Generation Programme, which aims to cut smoking rates to 5% by 2029.

Currently, 10.6% of Wiltshire residents smoke, with higher rates among lower-income groups and those with mental health conditions. Smoking is also costing the local economy £209 million a year.

Additional support for smokers via food banks, job centres, and charities with a focus on housing, homelessness, and debt, has led to over 200 residents pledging to quit.

Source: Salisbury Journal, 22 June 2025
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** Health experts push for mandatory cancer warnings on alcohol packaging

Dozens of health organisations have called on the UK government to require alcohol producers to include clear warnings about the cancer risks associated with drinking. Public awareness of alcohol’s link to several types of cancer remains low, with thousands of cases attributed annually. Ireland is due to introduce similar labelling next year, setting a precedent that campaigners want the UK to follow.

Kate Oldridge-Turner from the World Cancer Research Fund, which coordinated the letter to Keir Starmer, emphasises that warning labels would help millions make informed choices. Ian Gilmore, chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance, describes such measures that make the risks clear, as a fundamental consumer right and called for the UK to match Ireland’s leadership.

The drinks industry opposes mandatory warnings, arguing they could cause undue concern. Dr Gauden Galea, an adviser to the World Health Organization, warns policymakers to resist pressure from commercial interests and maintain a focus on public health.

Source: The Guardian, 21 June 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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** Majority of children in nine areas of England projected to be living with overweight or obesity by 2035

A study by the Royal Society for Public Health warns that by 2035, more than half of 10- and 11-year-old children in nine local authority areas in England will be living with overweight or obesity. Currently, 36% of children in this age group are above a healthy weight, but this is expected to rise to 41% across England by 2034–35. Areas most at risk include Blackpool, Knowsley, and Barking and Dagenham. The report highlights the role of junk food consumption, lack of physical activity, and wider social factors in driving obesity rates. Experts call for urgent action to improve food environments, regulate processed foods, and support children’s health to prevent long-term consequences such as diabetes and poor mental wellbeing.

Katharine Jenner, director of the Obesity Health Alliance, stresses that government reforms are urgently needed to fix the commercial food system driving childhood ill-health. She states that this is a national issue, but the impact is also felt at a local level - affecting families, schools, and already overstretched health services - and warns of longer NHS waiting lists and a generation of children too unwell to fully engage in play or everyday activities.

Source: The Guardian, 23 June 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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** International
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** US supreme court ruling allows vaping firms wider legal challenges to FDA decisions

The US Supreme Court has ruled that e-cigarette companies can challenge FDA decisions blocking their products in courts outside Washington, D.C. This expands legal options for firms like R.J. Reynolds Vapor Co., whose flavoured vape products were denied approval.

The Court rejects the FDA’s concern about “judge shopping,” emphasising companies should have broad access to judicial review. Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Sonia Sotomayor dissented, warning the ruling could weaken regulatory authority and prioritise corporate interests over public health.

Source: The Independent, 20 June 2025
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** Republic of Ireland: Cork county council likely to ban smoking and vaping in public amenity areas

Cork County Council is expected to introduce bylaws banning smoking and vaping in all council-controlled amenity areas, including playgrounds and multi-use games areas.

Council officials note that seeing adults smoke or vape near children encourages young people to adopt these habits, with some as young as 11 or 12 reported to be using vapes or cigarettes in such areas. The motion also highlights environmental issues caused by discarded cigarette butts and vape litter.

Source: Irish Examiner, 23 June 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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