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** 9 October 2025
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UK


** Government launches licensing plan and consultation to tighten vape and tobacco controls (#1)
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** Government consults on retail licensing for tobacco and vapes (#2)
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** Government plan to extend pub hours sparks public health backlash (#3)
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** Starmer to increase NHS drug spending amid pricing overhaul (#4)
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UK


** Government launches licensing plan and consultation to tighten vape and tobacco controls

The UK Government has announced plans to introduce a national licensing scheme for all retailers selling tobacco, vapes, and nicotine products, aimed at curbing illegal sales and protecting children. Under the proposed rules, only approved retailers would be allowed to sell such products, with strict penalties for breaches.

Alongside the proposed licensing system, a wide-ranging eight-week call for evidence has been launched to inform the final shape of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. The consultation covers vape and nicotine flavours and ingredients, tobacco flavours and accessories, heated tobacco products, licensing, and product registration.

Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), praised the proposals as a potentially transformative step toward a smoke-free generation and reducing youth access to harmful products. Wendy Taylor, chair of the Local Government Association’s health and well-being board, said councils support the move, provided any national licensing system is workable, locally informed, and properly funded.

Source: Daily Mail, 8 October 2025

See also: DHSC - Open call for evidence: Tobacco and vapes: evidence to support legislation ([link removed]) | Healthcare Leader - Tougher rules proposed for selling vapes and tobacco ([link removed])
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** Government consults on retail licensing for tobacco and vapes

The UK Government has opened a consultation on introducing a licensing system for retailers selling tobacco, vapes, and nicotine products in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The move aims to curb youth access, tackle illicit sales, and support enforcement efforts. A separate consultation on smoke-free and vape-free places, restrictions on vape packaging, and changes to product displays will follow next year.

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has welcomed the consultation and will work with retailers to shape a fair and effective system.

Source: Talking Retail, 8 October 2025
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** Government plan to extend pub hours sparks public health backlash

The UK government is proposing sweeping changes to alcohol licensing laws in England and Wales, allowing pubs, clubs, restaurants and off-licences to open much later than currently permitted. The aim is to ease restrictions on the night-time hospitality sector, with ministers backing extended trading hours.

The proposal has drawn strong criticism from public health leaders and local authorities, who warn it will lead to increased alcohol-related harm, violence, and strain on emergency services. Dr Richard Piper, chief executive of Alcohol Change UK, condemned the plan, citing the likelihood of more crime and domestic abuse. Prof Sir Ian Gilmore of the Alcohol Health Alliance also objected, arguing the move puts public health at risk during a period of record-high alcohol deaths.

Concerns have also been raised about a new proposed licensing objective that would prioritise business growth, potentially weakening councils' powers to limit or reject late-night alcohol sales. Critics argue the shift would marginalise local decision-making and hand greater influence to unelected officials and industry interests.

Source: The Guardian, 8 October 2025

See also: Government PR - Cheers to Change: Red Tape Review Could Bring More Food, Music and Fun to Your Local ([link removed])

Editorial note: The Government have launched a four-week call for evidence on reforming licensing in relation to alcohol sales under the Licensing Act 2003. See Open call for evidence: Reforming the licensing system. ([link removed])

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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** Starmer to increase NHS drug spending amid pricing overhaul

The UK Government is set to reform the decades-old formula used by NICE to evaluate medicines, potentially raising the cost-effectiveness threshold from £20,000–£30,000 to between £25,000 and £35,000 per quality-adjusted life year. The change could allow the NHS to spend billions more on drugs to halt recent investment withdrawals by major pharmaceutical companies like Merck and Eli Lilly.

The overhaul risks creating tension between Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who wants spending increases to come from existing departmental budgets, and Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who demands additional funding. Health spending is forecast to make up half of all public service expenditure by the end of the decade, with the Treasury considering tax rises of around £30bn to balance the books.

The Government is also negotiating with the US on pharmaceutical exports as part of a broader life sciences sector plan to boost innovation and economic growth.

Source: The Telegraph, 8 October 2025
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For more information email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or visit www.ash.org.uk
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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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