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** 7 August 2025
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UK


** Alarms raised over sweet-themed nicotine pouches sold to children (#1)
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** One in six convenience stores continue selling banned disposable vapes (#2)
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** Polling suggests disposable vape ban leading to illicit use and return to smoking (#3)
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** Government inaction threatens the UK’s 2030 smoke free goal, VPZ warns (#5)
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** Health experts urge stronger action on alcohol as concerns grow over harm (#6)
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** Peers’ links to lobbying firms spark calls for tighter rules (#7)
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International


** The Tax Foundation argues tobacco tax revenue faces long-term decline as demand falls (#4)
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UK


** Alarms raised over sweet-themed nicotine pouches sold to children

An investigation by BBC Scotland has uncovered the sale of high-strength nicotine pouches packaged to resemble popular children’s sweets, with Trading Standards voicing serious concerns. The products, some using branding similar to well-known confectionery without permission, can be legally sold to minors due to current regulatory gaps. Kate Pike from Trading Standards condemned the marketing tactics, highlighting that they have a “worrying child appeal”. There are currently no restrictions on pouch strength or age of sale of nicotine pouches. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will give the Government the power to regulate the sale, packaging and marketing of nicotine pouches, and there are calls to speed up this legislation to close current loopholes.

Source: BBC, 6 August 2025

See also: ASH calls for swift legislation on nicotine pouches as new data shows surge in youth awareness ([link removed])
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** One in six convenience stores continue selling banned disposable vapes

A recent analysis has found that approximately 16% of convenience shops in the UK still offer single use vapes, despite the disposable vapes ban coming into force over two months ago. Sales data from convenience and independent shops across the UK revealed that nearly £400,000 worth of disposable devices were sold in a single recent week. The data also suggested that many consumers are using reusable vapes as if they were disposable single use vapes.

Source: The Grocer, 6 August 2025
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** Polling suggests disposable vape ban leading to illicit use and return to smoking

Unpublished polling claims suggest the UK’s ban on disposable vapes may be causing unintended health consequences, with 26% of users reportedly turning to illicit products or resuming tobacco use. While many have transitioned to reusable devices, concerns remain over misinformation around vaping harms. The government has defended the disposable vapes ban as part of efforts to prevent youth uptake of vaping and protect the environment.

Source: Daily Express, 6 August 2025

Editorial note: This article uses unpublished polling claims, and the statistic that 26% of disposable vape users have turned to illicit products or tobacco does not have a sample size. The statistic also does not have a breakdown of the number of people within the 26% who use illicit products and tobacco.
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** Government inaction threatens the UK’s 2030 smoke free goal, VPZ warns

Vape retailer VPZ has urged the UK Government to prioritise the Tobacco and Vapes Bill upon Parliament's return, warning that further delays could jeopardise the nation's goal of a smoke-free society by 2030. The Bill, which has passed the House of Commons, is currently under consideration in the House of Lords. VPZ's call for swift action highlights the urgency of implementing measures to reduce tobacco use and regulate vaping products effectively.

Source: Convenience Store, 6 August 2025

Editorial note: This article has been included to provide insight into industry developments and lobbying.

See also: VPZ - Tobacco Tactics ([link removed])
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** Health experts urge stronger action on alcohol as concerns grow over harm

Thirty four medical and public health leaders from organisations including as the Alcohol Health Alliance have criticised the government's current approach to alcohol policy, arguing it falls short of addressing the scale of alcohol-related harm. While new labelling and community support measures have been welcomed, experts call for tougher interventions such as minimum pricing, advertising restrictions, and improved treatment funding. They warn that alcohol misuse remains a widespread issue, contributing significantly to hospitalisations, cancer cases, and public costs.

Source: LBC, 6 August 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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** Peers’ links to lobbying firms spark calls for tighter rules

An investigation by The Times has revealed that at least 50 members of the House of Lords have taken roles with lobbying firms since early last year, despite existing restrictions on MPs undertaking similar work. The probe highlights growing concerns over transparency and potential conflicts of interest, especially as some peers hold influential committee positions while being employed by firms with interests in the same policy areas. Although peers are required to declare their financial ties, critics argue that current rules fall short of preventing undue influence. The findings have intensified demands for peers to face the same limitations on lobbying activities as elected MPs.

Source: The Times, 6 August 2025
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International


** The Tax Foundation argues tobacco tax revenue faces long-term decline as demand falls

The Tax Foundation has identified that governments globally are collecting less from cigarette taxes due to declining smoking rates and greater availability of alternatives like vaping. They explain that while some advocate for higher tax rates to offset revenue losses, their recent economic data suggests further tax hikes would risk reducing revenue instead of increasing it. The Tax Foundation suggest that policymakers should reconsider their reliance on tobacco taxes as a sustainable funding source.

Source: Tax Foundation, 6 August 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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