View this email in your browser ([link removed])


** 29 September 2025
------------------------------------------------------------
UK


** Liverpool residents express support for new outdoor smoking curbs (#1)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Opinion: BAT UK warns poor regulation of vaping could undermine smoke-free targets (#2)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Vape industry warns local shop bans could undermine smoke-free goals (#3)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Industry insights into nicotine pouch market (#4)
------------------------------------------------------------
International


** Study links teenage smoking in boys to premature ageing in their children (#5)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Ireland to ban cigarette and vape vending machines in new health drive (#6)
------------------------------------------------------------


** WHO’s Chief Scientist argues that raising taxes on harmful products could fund health systems and save millions of lives (#7)
------------------------------------------------------------


** US blocks UN health declaration despite broad global support (#8)
------------------------------------------------------------
UK


** Liverpool residents express support for new outdoor smoking curbs

Liverpool City Council has extended its smoke-free policy to more than 200 outdoor dining and drinking areas, aiming to cut second-hand smoke exposure, encourage quitting and reduce cigarette litter, while still allowing vaping. A local poll showed strong support, with nearly three quarters of people supporting the smokefree spaces. Many people interviewed said the measure improves public health and makes social spaces more pleasant. Hospitality workers also noted cleaner environments. Some raised concerns about how well such rules can be enforced, but examples from other countries suggest communities can adapt to restrictions over time.

Source: BBC News, 28 September 2025

See also: ASH Briefing on Smokefree Pavement Licenses ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Opinion: BAT UK warns poor regulation of vaping could undermine smoke-free targets

In an opinion piece in Politics Home, a representative of British American Tobacco UK (BAT) highlights the companies new campaign: ‘Vapers Deserve Better’. They argue for stronger oversight of the vaping industry and warn that without firm action people could return to smoking. The company argues that inconsistent product standards and irresponsible operators have fuelled public misconceptions, with many believing vaping is as harmful as cigarettes despite health authorities stating otherwise. BAT point to a recent survey conducted by Obsurvant that suggests that one in ten vapers is considering switching back to tobacco. BAT UK is calling for mandatory testing of products, a national licensing scheme for retailers, and tougher penalties for those breaking the rules.

Source: Politics Home, 28 September 2025

Editorial note: This article has been included to provide insight into market trends and industry developments.
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Vape industry warns local shop bans could undermine smoke-free goals

The UK Vaping Industry Association has criticised government plans to let local government block vape shop openings, arguing that the move could push former smokers back to tobacco. The trade body says specialist stores play an important role in helping smokers switch to less harmful alternatives and should not be grouped with betting shops or other restricted outlets. Instead, it is calling for a national licensing system to regulate sales, fund stronger enforcement against illegal practices, and ensure only responsible retailers operate.

Source: Talking Retail, 26 September 2025

Editorial note: This article has been included to provide insight into market trends and industry developments.
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Industry insights into nicotine pouch market

This Asian Trader piece explores the current market for nicotine pouches in the UK. The article argues that nicotine pouches are an increasingly significant category in the UK nicotine market, with data from IRI Marketplace showing the category now exceeds £170m in sales and is growing by 68% year-on-year in volume terms. The article highlights how manufacturers and retailers are seeking to boost pouch sales by maximising point of sale display and offering a range of flavours.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will introduce a minimum age of sale for nicotine pouches, ban advertising and give ministers powers over flavours and packaging.

Source: Asian Trader, 27 September 2025

Editorial note: This article has been included to provide insight into market trends and industry developments.
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])
International


** Study links teenage smoking in boys to premature ageing in their children

Research presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress in Amsterdam found that fathers who start smoking during their teenage years may pass on signs of premature ageing to their children. The investigation examined DNA markers of nearly 900 people across Europe and Australia, finding that those whose fathers smoked before the age of 15 showed evidence of being biologically older than their actual age. The effect was stronger if the children themselves also smoked. The study points to potential changes in sperm during puberty that could influence health risks in later generations, including cancer and dementia. Experts stressed the importance of preventing tobacco and nicotine use among young people.

Source: The Telegraph, 29 September 2025
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Ireland to ban cigarette and vape vending machines in new health drive

Ireland will introduce new restrictions on tobacco and vape sales from 29 September, targeting self-service and vending machines in venues such as pubs and nightclubs. The measure is designed to prevent under-18s from gaining access to nicotine products and is part of the government’s broader plan to cut smoking rates to below 5%.

Source: MSN News, 28 September 2025
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** WHO’s Chief Scientist argues that raising taxes on harmful products could fund health systems and save millions of lives

Writing in The Independent, the World Health Organisation’s Chief Scientist Jeremy Farrar has argued that raising taxes on harmful products such as cigarettes, alcohol and sugary drinks could both save lives and provide vital funding for health systems. Farrar explains that evidence shows that higher prices cut consumption, encourage healthier behaviour, and generate revenue that can be reinvested in care and prevention. He points to countries including Thailand, Mexico and the Philippines that have already demonstrated success with such policies, but explains that global progress remains uneven. WHO’s new “3 by 35” initiative calls for significant price increases by 2035, aiming to reduce preventable deaths and ease pressure on struggling healthcare budgets. The organisation stressed that political will is essential to overcome corporate resistance and prioritise public health over profits.

Source: The Independent, 26 September 2025
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** US blocks UN health declaration despite broad global support

A UN agreement aimed at tackling noncommunicable diseases and mental health was overwhelmingly supported by member states but opposed by the United States. US health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr said that the US cannot accept “language that pushes destructive gender ideology” or claims a “constitutional or international right to abortion”.

The declaration sets new targets for reducing deaths from conditions such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and respiratory illness, which account for three-quarters of global mortality. While it promotes access to affordable medicines and expands focus to oral and renal health, health experts argue it has been weakened by the removal of proposals for higher taxes on tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks. Health campaigners, such as Alison Cox from the NCD Alliance, warn that industry lobbying has undermined progress, even as obesity and related illnesses rise sharply worldwide, particularly in lower-income countries. Mexico’s experience with sugar taxes was highlighted as an example of how fiscal measures could both improve health and fund healthcare.

Source: The Guardian, 26 September 2025
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])
Have you been forwarded this email? Subscribe to ASH Daily News here. ([link removed])

For more information email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or visit www.ash.org.uk
@ASHorguk ([link removed])

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.

============================================================
Our mailing address is:
Action on Smoking and Health
Unit 2.9, The Foundry
17 Oval Way
London
SE11 5RR

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])