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** 17 July 2025
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** UK
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** Regulatory gap leaves children exposed to sale of nicotine pouches in UK shops (#1)
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** Convenience store loses alcohol licence after repeated illegal tobacco sales (#2)
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** International
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** Opinion: Nicotine pouches emerge as new threat to teen health in America as vaping declines (#3)
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** Parliamentary activity
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** Written (#4) Answers (#4)
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** UK
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** Regulatory gap leaves children exposed to sale of nicotine pouches in UK shops
Children in the UK can currently purchase nicotine pouches legally due to a lack of specific legislation governing their sale, prompting concern from health officials and Trading Standards. These pouches, often sold in sweet flavours and colourful packaging, are marketed as tobacco-free alternatives but still deliver nicotine. With some pouches containing up to 20mg of nicotine, concerns are mounting about their impact on young users.
Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), highlighted the risks, stressing that although less harmful than smoking, nicotine remains addictive and its long-term health effects are not yet fully understood. ASH data shows that awareness of nicotine pouches among 11- to 17-year-olds rose from 38 per cent in 2024 to 43 per cent, raising fears that usage among youths may increase if left unchecked.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, currently under parliamentary review, seeks to close this loophole by banning the sale of nicotine pouches to under-18s and placing restrictions on flavours, packaging, advertising, and product placement in shops. Kate Pike, Lead Officer for Tobacco and Vapes at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, emphasised the urgency, citing rising reports from teachers and parents about shops targeting children and expressing frustration at the current lack of enforcement powers. Trading Standards is urging the government to prioritise the bill’s passage to prevent further exploitation of regulatory grey areas by retailers.
Source: The Independent, 17 July 2025
See also: CTSI - Public warned about nicotine pouches sold to children ([link removed]) | ASH - ASH calls for swift legislation on nicotine pouches as new data shows surge in youth awareness ([link removed]) | Nicotine pouches ([link removed])
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** Convenience store loses alcohol licence after repeated illegal tobacco sales
A Trowbridge convenience shop has had its alcohol licence revoked following ongoing breaches of trading laws, including the sale of counterfeit tobacco and illegal vapes. The decision was made by a Wiltshire Council licensing sub-committee after numerous investigations revealed a consistent failure to meet licensing standards.
Authorities discovered illicit tobacco products, thousands of pounds in cash, and evidence of unlicensed expansion into an adjoining property. The business also ignored a previous suspension of its licence. Councillors concluded that the operation posed a risk to public safety and showed disregard for legal responsibilities, prompting the licence withdrawal.
Source: BBC News, 15 July 2025
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** International
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** Opinion: Nicotine pouches emerge as new threat to teen health in America as vaping declines
Writing for The Washington Post, columnist and clinical associate professor at George Washington University Leana Wen discusses the growing popularity of nicotine pouches among teenagers in the United States. While youth vaping rates have dropped significantly since their peak in 2019, nicotine pouches—marketed as smoke-free alternatives for adults—are rapidly gaining traction in among American adolescents due to their high nicotine content, discreet usage, and appeal through sweet and fruity flavours.
Wen raises concerns about the health implications of adolescent nicotine use, including impacts on brain development and increased vulnerability to addiction. She points to aggressive marketing strategies reminiscent of earlier e-cigarette campaigns, with social media influencers and lifestyle sponsorships targeting younger audiences. Public health experts, including leaders from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, warn that tobacco companies are using these new products to create long-term customers by targeting youth early.
To address this emerging trend, Wen advocates for strict regulation, including flavour bans, online sales restrictions, tighter retail controls, and advertising limits. She urges policymakers to act decisively to protect young people before these products gain a stronger foothold in youth culture.
Source: The Washington Post, 15 July 2025
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** Parliamentary activity
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** Written Answers
Asked by Paula Barker, Liverpool Wavertree, Labour
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions she has had with schools on the potential impact of (a) children buying vapes from their peers and (b) preventing the use of vapes in schools on levels of (i) behaviour and (ii) teacher morale.
Answered by Stephen Morgan, Early Education Minister, Portsmouth South, Labour
The sale of vapes to under 18s is illegal, and the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will ban the sale of all consumer nicotine products to anyone under 18.
Schools are required by law to have a behaviour policy that sets out what is expected of all pupils, including what items are banned from school premises. The ‘Behaviour in schools’ guidance outlines effective strategies that will encourage good behaviour and the sanctions that will be imposed for misbehaviour, including vaping anywhere in school.
The relationships, sex and health education statutory guidance states that, in both primary and secondary school, pupils should be taught the facts about legal and illegal harmful substances and associated risks. This includes smoking, alcohol use, and drug taking.
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