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


** 31 October 2025
------------------------------------------------------------
UK


** ASH CEO highlights the opportunity for retailers created by the decline of Big Tobacco (#1)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Opinion: Independent retailers adapt as tobacco market shifts under new restrictions (#2)
------------------------------------------------------------


** ITV News Meridian investigation shows disposable vapes continue to be sold in Brighton despite ban (#3)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Nordic Spirit introduces UK’s strongest nicotine pouch (#4)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Tyne and Wear Metro to ban junk food adverts (#5)
------------------------------------------------------------
International


** Falling tobacco sales weigh on Altria’s profit forecast (#6)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Ireland introduces new tax on e-liquids in vape products (#7)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Nicokick launches nicotine pouch advent calendar (#8)
------------------------------------------------------------
Links of the week


** Blog: The Tobacco and Vapes Bill – why we need to be careful with international comparisons (#9)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Resources from Smokefree Sheffield - Vaping: The Facts (#10)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Nuffield Trust – International comparisons of preventable risk factors (#11)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Nuffield Trust – Smoking (#12)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Podcast - Let’s talk e-cigarettes (#13)
------------------------------------------------------------


** London Tobacco Alliance - Stop Smoking London LGBTQ+ Week (27–31 October) (#14)
------------------------------------------------------------
UK


** ASH CEO highlights the opportunity for retailers created by the decline of Big Tobacco

Writing in the Grocer, Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), identifies that Big Tobacco is “painting a picture of doom” for retailers due to the generational smoking ban, but in reality, this is a moment of opportunity for retailers. Cheeseman explains that the traditional model, where tobacco is relied upon for footfall and steady volume, is becoming outdated as cigarettes deliver some of the lowest profit margins in retail, often just 6%.

Cheeseman highlights that when the tobacco display ban came into force, the tobacco industry also pushed the narrative that this would harm retailers. However, ASH data found that 74% of small retailers said the display ban had no negative impact.

Cheeseman also addresses the issue of the illicit tobacco trade, identifying that the tobacco industry often inflates the illicit market as a way to “frighten shopkeepers”. Cheeseman highlights that illicit cigarette consumption has dropped by nearly 90% since 2000-01, alongside an increase in tax and regulation.

Concluding, Cheeseman identifies the opportunity presented by the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to create a smokefree generation, saving lives and creating an environment where “responsible retailers can thrive”.

Source: The Grocer, 31 October 2025
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Opinion: Independent retailers adapt as tobacco market shifts under new restrictions

This article in AsianTrader examines how independent retailers are navigating the retail landscape for tobacco as the Tobacco and Vapes Bill advances through Parliament. The article cites polling from “tobacco lobbyist” Forest that indicates only two in five people think the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is important. The article includes quotes from representatives from the tobacco industry, including Philip Morris and Imperial Brands, who discuss how the market has shifted, and opportunities for retailers.

Source: Asian Trader, 30 October 2025

Editorial note: This article has been included to provide insight into market trends and industry developments. It includes a range of tobacco industry claims and misinformation.

Independent research commissioned by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) found that most small retailers support the UK Government’s proposals ([link removed]) in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. Of 900 small tobacco retailers surveyed, 51% backed the proposed age of sale legislation - almost twice the number opposed (26%).

The findings reflect a broader shift in the retail landscape. Footfall driven by tobacco purchases has declined significantly ([link removed]) , falling by nearly 40% in under a decade. In 2015, tobacco was part of 21% of transactions; by 2022, research from the University of Edinburgh found this had dropped to just 12.8%.

Retailers also benefit little from tobacco sales. While tobacco remains highly profitable for manufacturers, it yields low margins for shop owners ([link removed]) - just 8.5% on average, compared to 21% across all products and 37.1% for vaping products.
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** ITV News Meridian investigation shows disposable vapes continue to be sold in Brighton despite ban

Despite the June 2025 ban on single-use disposable vapes, an ITV News Meridian investigation in Brighton has found numerous shops still selling them. Secret filming revealed illegal sales in several outlets, and 28% of the shops visited sold disposable vapes. Gillian Golden, CEO of the Independent British Vape Trade Association, explained that their “members’ sales of reusable and rechargeable products has been very encouraging”, and that “vape disposal should now be available in all places that sell vapes”.

Source: ITV News Meridian, 31 October 2025
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Nordic Spirit introduces UK’s strongest nicotine pouch

Japan Tobacco International UK has launched Nordic Spirit Frosty Mint Max, their strongest nicotine pouch with 17mg of nicotine. The product features a new darker packaging design to enhance visibility on retail shelves.

Source: Better Retailing, 30 October 2025

Editorial note: This article has been included to provide insight into market trends and industry developments. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will ban advertising and introduce a minimum age of sale for nicotine pouches, as well as giving the UK government powers to regulate flavours, nicotine content, packaging and promotion in shops.
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Tyne and Wear Metro to ban junk food adverts

From 1 December, the Tyne and Wear Metro network will prohibit advertising for unhealthy food and drinks across all trains and 60 stations. The initiative, supported by Northeast Mayor Kim McGuinness, aims to protect children from marketing for products such as sweets, fizzy drinks, and fast food. Nexus, the network operator, stated the move contributes to improving public health in the region.

Source: BBC News, 30 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.
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])
International


** Falling tobacco sales weigh on Altria’s profit forecast

Altria has projected a modest profit for the year, falling short of analysts’ expectations, as demand for both traditional cigarettes and its newer oral nicotine alternatives continues to weaken. The company’s main tobacco brands, including Marlboro, remain its financial backbone but are declining steadily in the US market.

Attempts to diversify have faced setbacks, including a recent suspension of its NJOY vape line following a patent dispute. Although sales of the company’s on! nicotine pouches are still growing, they have not compensated for wider losses.

Third-quarter results showed a fall in overall revenue, despite meeting profit forecasts. The company expects only limited improvement over the rest of the year.

Source: Reuters, 30 October 2025

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


** Ireland introduces new tax on e-liquids in vape products

A new levy on e-liquids for both disposable and refillable vapes comes into effect in Ireland from tomorrow, 1 November. The tax applies to products with and without nicotine and is intended to reduce vaping among young people. The tax is at a rate of 50c per millilitre.

Source: Irish Times, 31 October 2025
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Nicokick launches nicotine pouch advent calendar

Nicokick has unveiled a seasonal advent calendar offering 24 days of nicotine pouch samples for adults aged 21 and over. The collection, available from 12 November for $69.99 exclusively online, includes a variety of brands, flavours, and strengths ranging from 3 mg to 9 mg.

Source: Tobacco Reporter, 31 October 2025

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


** Blog: The Tobacco and Vapes Bill – why we need to be careful with international comparisons

This blog explores the reasons why international comparisons on tobacco control regulation can be unhelpful if presented without adequate context, and how we can ensure that international comparisons contribute to, not cloud, the debate.

Source: LSE blog, 28 October 2025
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Resources from Smokefree Sheffield - Vaping: The Facts

Smokefree Sheffield, in collaboration with ASH, has published an updated set of youth vaping resources to support schools, colleges, youth settings and safeguarding leads to have evidence-based conversations about vaping. The resources have been updated in line with the latest data on youth vaping, insights from young people across the country, and policy developments including the ban on single use vapes and the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

Source: Smokefree Sheffield
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Nuffield Trust – International comparisons of preventable risk factors

The Nuffield Trust have evaluated how rates of smoking, obesity and alcohol consumption compare internationally.

Source: The Nuffield Trust, 30 October 2025
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Nuffield Trust – Smoking

The Nuffield Trust have evaluated the effectiveness of NHS Stop Smoking Services, smoking by deprivation and smoking patterns among young people.

Source: The Nuffield Trust, 30 October 2025
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Podcast - Let’s talk e-cigarettes

Associate Professor Jamie Hartmann-Boyce and Associate Professor Nicola Lindson discuss the new evidence in e-cigarette research and interview Justin Strickland, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Behavioural Pharmacology Research Unit, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Source: Let’s talk e-cigarettes, October 2025, episode 46
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** London Tobacco Alliance - Stop Smoking London LGBTQ+ Week (27–31 October)

The London Tobacco Alliance is marking London’s first Stop Smoking London LGBTQ+ Week (27–31 October) ([link removed]) , highlighting higher smoking rates within LGBTQ+ communities and promoting the digital support available through Stop Smoking London and the Smoke Free App for London.
------------------------------------------------------------
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])