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UK and Ireland head of British American Tobacco argues against ban on vape advertising on BBC podcast
Appearing on the BBC ‘Big Boss Interview’ podcast, the UK and Ireland Managing Director of British American Tobacco, Asli Ertonguc, has called for the ban on vape and nicotine pouch marketing in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to be weakened to allow for “very strict” advertising encouraging adult smokers to switch from cigarettes.
Source: BBC News, 8 October 2025
See also: Tobacco Tactics – British American Tobacco | ASH - Briefing on the tobacco industry and their tactics.
Editorial note: ASH complained to the BBC about their decision to provide a tobacco executive an unchallenged platform to campaign against new legislation, reinterpret science, and present commercial interests as public health goals, all without balance, scrutiny, or counterpoint. Further detail on Linkedin here.
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Shadow Policing Minister raises concerns over potential consequences of Tobacco and Vapes Bill
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has been criticised by the Shadow Policing Minister, who claims it may inadvertently strengthen the illicit market. The legislation will create a smokefree generation, implement tighter regulations on vape marketing, and create a new retail licensing scheme. Matt Vickers MP claims it overlooks the role of organised crime in illicit sales and could harm legal businesses. A Department of Health and Social Care source stated that when the Bill was introduced under the Conservative party led by Rishi Sunak it was met with “applause”, and “it is a sign of how far the party has fallen that junior shadow ministers now … trash his legacy and turn their backs on young people.” The Department of Health also stated that the Bill will give authorities “stronger enforcement powers” such as fines, a new licensing scheme, and £30 million to tackle illicit sales.
Source: City AM, 7 October 2025
Editorial note: According to HMRC, between 2000-01 and 2023-24, the number of illicit cigarettes consumed in the UK declined by almost 90% – amounting to 13 billion fewer illicit cigarettes consumed per year – alongside a 68% decline in illicit HRT.
Alongside introducing a generational smoking ban, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will give the government powers to introduce a licencing scheme for the sale of tobacco, vapes and non-medicinal nicotine products. This will help to improve illicit tobacco enforcement and crack down on underage sales. Raising the age of sale will have a gradual impact over time, so is unlikely to significantly impact the illicit market. When the tobacco age of sale increased from 16 to 18 in 2007 it had no impact on black market sales – the number of illicit cigarettes consumed actually declined by 25% following the age of sale rise. Strong enforcement is crucial for addressing the black market.
For further info, see the ASH webpage: Illicit tobacco: facts, trends and industry tactics
See also: ASH – FAQs on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill
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NHS offers stop smoking support at Cowley shopping centre
A new weekly NHS pop-up clinic has been launched at Templars Square in Oxford to support people aiming to quit smoking. Run in partnership with Smokefree Oxon, the service provides free, confidential help every Tuesday, including personalised advice, nicotine replacement therapies, and access to prescription medications. The initiative forms part of the centre’s broader efforts to promote local health and wellbeing. Residents can also receive extended support through a mobile app and a 12-week programme with specialist advisers.
Source: Oxford Mail, 8 October 2025
See coverage of other local Stoptober initiatives: ‘Stoptober: Help available in Worcestershire to quit smoking’ – Worcester News | ‘Trust turns to loudspeakers to try and cut out hospital smoking’ - NursingTimes
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Concerns grow over high-strength nicotine pouches as Scottish Grocers’ Federation calls for tighter control
The Scottish Grocers’ Federation has issued fresh guidance to retailers on the responsible sale of nicotine pouches, following reports of high-strength products circulating in the market. The Federation emphasised the importance of not selling to minors and reporting any suspicious or unregulated products. New government legislation is expected to introduce stricter controls, including age restrictions, under the upcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
Source: Convenience Store, 7 October 2025
Editorial note: The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) have previously campaigned against several public health measures. As of July 2024, SGF have listed four tobacco companies as corporate members of their organisation: Japan Tobacco International, Philip Morris, British American Tobacco, and Imperial Brands.
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IPPR report reveals workplace drinking culture linked to sick days and falling productivity
A new report from the IPPR thinktank has revealed that a significant number of UK workers have taken time off due to drinking during work-related social events, raising concerns about workplace culture and its impact on productivity. The findings, based on a national survey, show younger employees are particularly affected, with many feeling pressured to drink despite a generational shift towards lower alcohol consumption. The report calls for a move away from alcohol-centred work events, highlighting examples of alternative social activities that foster inclusion and wellbeing. The IPPR also urges the government to consider policies such as minimum alcohol pricing to tackle wider alcohol-related harm in the economy.
Source: The Guardian, 8 October 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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Guardian editorial calls for sunbed ban and highlights wider challenges in preventive health policy
Amid rising skin cancer rates, experts are renewing calls for a UK-wide ban on commercial sunbeds, echoing policies already implemented in countries like Australia. While the move has yet to gain political backing, it forms part of a broader debate about how far governments should go in regulating harmful behaviours to improve public health. This Guardian editorial explores the inconsistency in current policies, such as delays in regulating junk food and alcohol, and argues that effective prevention requires clarity. It also stresses that lifestyle-related health risks often disproportionately affect lower-income groups, and that prevention efforts must go hand-in-hand with tackling broader social inequalities.
Source: The Guardian, 7 October 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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Redcar and Cleveland councillor urges tighter vape regulation
A councillor in Redcar and Cleveland has called for nicotine-based vapes to be made available by prescription only. The councillor cites growing concerns over children becoming addicted despite never having smoked. John Stephenson from Public Health South Tees explained that vapes are an effective tool for smoking cessation but should not be used by people who have never smoked. He also noted that nicotine is not currently a prescription-only substance.
Source: Teesside Live, 7 October 2025
See also: ASH – Vaping: what you need to know
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People who smoke warned of increased risk of sight loss
Optical Express are highlighting the serious impact smoking can have on eye health, urging individuals to quit in order to protect their vision. Dr Stephen Hannan, Clinical Services Director at Optical Express, states that smoking significantly raises the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that can lead to irreversible vision loss, particularly affecting the ability to read, drive, or recognise faces. Other risks include dry eyes, cataracts, glaucoma, and even blindness.
Source: Bournemouth Echo, 8 October 2025
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Strong public backing for measures to stop vaping on school grounds in Crown dependencies
A recent survey across Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man has revealed widespread support for measures to help schools prevent vaping on their premises, with over 90% of respondents in favour. Conducted by Island Global Research, the study gathered views from more than 4,000 residents and aimed to explore public attitudes towards tobacco and vape use. Younger adults, particularly those aged 18 to 39, were more likely to view public vaping and smoking as acceptable, in contrast to older age groups.
Source: BBC News, 8 October 2025
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Isle of Man sets out five-year health strategy focused on prevention
A new public health strategy for the Isle of Man outlines a five-year plan aimed at reducing preventable illness through early intervention and healthier lifestyles. Key issues addressed include rising chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, often linked to smoking, poor diet, alcohol use, and inactivity. Despite a decline in smoking rates, it remains a concern alongside harmful drinking levels. The plan emphasises the need for collaboration across sectors and aims to ease future strain on healthcare services by focusing on prevention.
Source: BBC News, 7 October 2025
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Smoking confirmed as a contributor to hypertension in new study
New research from the University of Manitoba has confirmed a clear link between tobacco use and the development of high blood pressure. The study, which followed over 3,000 adults in the Netherlands for seven years, found that both light and heavy smokers were more likely to develop hypertension. By using urine tests to detect cotinine—a reliable marker of tobacco exposure—the researchers provided more accurate insights than studies relying only on self-reported data. Findings suggest that many smokers under-report their habits, making urine testing a useful tool for clinicians. However, the test cannot always distinguish between former and never smokers, meaning further patient discussions remain essential. The team also highlighted the potential of future technologies like wearable sensors for improved monitoring of tobacco exposure.
Source: Medical Xpress, 6 October 2025
See also: Setor K. Kunutsor et al, Self-reported smoking, urine cotinine, and risk of incident hypertension: findings from the PREVEND prospective cohort study, Journal of Human Hypertension (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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