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EU reviews UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill
The European Commission is currently considering the impact of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill on EU law. EU member states, including Greece, Slovakia and Romania, have questioned whether the measure complies with Single Market rules under the Windsor Framework. The Commission is awaiting a response from the UK, after which it may comment on the proposal or take further action.
A government spokesperson said the bill is consistent with the Windsor Framework, will apply UK-wide, and has not been blocked or delayed.
Source: The Telegraph, 22 November 2025
Editorial note: The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is currently being reviewed under the EU Technical Regulation Information System (TRIS). This is due to the Bill applying in Northern Ireland which is still subject to some EU regulations as a result of the Windsor Framework. Due to the objections raised by Greece, Slovakia and Romania, the TRIS review process has been extended to 18th February 2026. The UK government has been clear that the Bill is consistent with the Windsor Framework and will apply UK-wide.
Tobacco companies have a long history of using legal challenges to delay and block anti-smoking policies. The industry has stepped up it’s lobbying of EU policymakers and some EU member states have been accused of using their political influence to defend the interests of the industry. Both Greece and Romania have opposed the EU Commission’s attempts to strengthen the Tobacco Products Directive.
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UK government announces crackdown on illegal vapes ahead of Budget
Ahead of the forthcoming Budget, the UK Government has outlined plans to tackle the sale of illegal vapes, including the introduction of digital stamps with QR codes on all products to help distinguish legitimate devices from fakes. Rogue traders could face fines of £10,000 and potential prison sentences. Businesses will be able to register for the scheme from April next year, with a six-month period to sell unstamped stock before the rules become mandatory in the autumn. Border Force and HMRC will be given enhanced powers to seize illegal vapes, including at the border. The measures complement the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which governs advertising, flavours, packaging, and in-store displays.
Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of ASH, said that aligning penalties for selling illegal vapes and traditional tobacco sends the right message, and noted that measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill along with excise tax can help reduce youth access to nicotine while keeping vaping products available and affordable for adult smokers using them to quit.
John Herriman, chief executive of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, added that the involvement of HMRC and Border Force would strengthen enforcement and help protect high streets from rogue traders.
Source: BBC News, 21 November 2025
See also: Shop owners selling illegal vapes will face £10,000 on-the-spot fines and jail time in Rachel Reeves' Budget crackdown | Daily Mail Online
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Interview with STG UK executive highlights growth in cigarillos and nicotine pouches
An interview with Rich Eves, Head of Key Accounts Northern Europe at Scandinavian Tobacco Group UK, explored trends in the UK cigar and nicotine markets, with a particular focus on cigarillos and the company’s XQS nicotine pouch brand. Eves detailed how cigarillos have become the largest segment in both volume and value within the UK cigar category, driven by compact size, flavour variety, and competitive pricing. Signature Action cigarillos in particular have seen significant sales growth over the past year, with new pack formats introduced to meet consumer demand.
The discussion also examined the rapid expansion of the nicotine pouch market, noting that XQS has quickly become one of the leading brands, supported by flavour innovation and retailer engagement following the disposable vape ban.
Source: Grocery Trader, 24 November 2025
Editorial note: This article has been included to provide insight into market trends and industry developments.
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Sunderland records historic drop in smoking levels
Sunderland has reported its lowest adult smoking rate so far, continuing a long-term downward trend. The city is progressing towards its 2030 goal of cutting smoking to 5%, however usage remains higher among people experiencing disadvantage, including poor mental health or unstable housing.
The wider North East has seen a major decline in smoking over two decades, supported by Fresh, the region’s NHS- and council-funded tobacco control programme. Sunderland has also been awarded nearly £700,000 in government funding, to be released in two stages, to strengthen local stop-smoking services.
Source: BBC News, 24 November 2025
See also: Fresh - Fresh Balance
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Tobacco and Vapes Bill signals upcoming changes for UK retailers
As the Tobacco and Vapes Bill progresses through the House of Lords, retailers will face a range of regulatory changes affecting how tobacco and nicotine products are sold and managed. Generational sales rules will introduce progressively higher age thresholds, requiring businesses, including hotels and hospitality venues, to update point-of-sale systems, staff training and stock management in order to comply.
Strengthened vaping regulations, including restrictions on flavours, packaging and marketing, aim to reduce youth uptake while maintaining access for adults using these products to quit smoking. The existing ban on disposable vapes has already made refillable devices the primary legal option, with retailers needing to ensure signage and customer information reflect the legal framework.
A proposed licensing system for tobacco and vape retailing would establish clearer expectations and responsibilities, including compliance, record-keeping and enforcement measures. Many of the details will be set through secondary legislation, creating an evolving regulatory environment that retailers will need to monitor and adapt to over time.
Source: Retail Insight Network, 24 November 2025
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Liverpool hospital pilots first NHS vaping cessation clinic for children
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool has launched Britain’s first NHS clinic dedicated to helping children overcome vaping addiction. The pilot service, introduced in February 2025, offers tailored support including behavioural therapy, nicotine substitutes, and guidance on managing peer pressure. Staff also work with schools to monitor dependency levels and refine the service.
Currently 27 children aged 11 to 15 are receiving treatment, with at least 15 more on a waiting list. The pilot was initially funded by NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, but this funding has now ended. The clinic will continue operating until all children on the waiting list are treated, while trust leaders consider long-term funding and the potential for similar services across other NHS regions.
Source: The Mirror, 23 November 2025
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ICB restructuring slowing progress on neighbourhood health services
Primary care leaders report that recent restructuring and staffing reductions within integrated care boards (ICBs) are hampering the development of joined-up community health services. Cuts to ICB roles and resources, alongside the demands of mergers, have made it more difficult for primary care networks to access population health data, funding, and staff support needed to deliver proactive care.
The changes are also undermining ICBs’ role in coordinating between primary and secondary care and acting as brokers among local providers, a function that varies in effectiveness across regions. While some local councils and provider organisations are stepping in to fill gaps, the disruption threatens to slow implementation of neighbourhood health initiatives envisaged in the government’s 10-Year Health Plan. NHS England and the government have signalled that providers will increasingly lead local integration, though many are not yet prepared for this responsibility.
Source: Health Service Journal, 21 November 2025
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COP11 outcomes limited amid disputes over new nicotine products and environmental action
The latest global meeting on tobacco control closed with modest advances after extensive disagreements between countries and mounting concerns about the influence of the tobacco industry. Delegates endorsed measures highlighting the environmental damage caused across the tobacco supply chain and encouraged governments to strengthen laws on pollution, waste and industry liability. They also backed calls for greater national investment in tobacco control and explored possible future steps such as age-based sales restrictions.
However, several proposals deferred were until the next conference in 2027. Observers warned that industry-aligned narratives and lobbying continued to hinder progress, prompting renewed commitments from officials to safeguard decision-making from interference ahead of COP12.
Source: Health Policy Watch, 22 November 2025
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Some cigarette warning images may be perceived as attractive, Irish study finds
A study in Ireland has found that certain images on cigarette packets, intended to deter smoking, can be interpreted positively by a minority of people. Researchers surveyed over 600 participants on reactions to one of 14 EU-mandated warning images and found that while most responses were negative, 22% reported feelings of relaxation or calm, and just over a quarter described the image as appealing. Positive interpretations were reported across smokers and non-smokers alike.
The research team emphasised the need for careful design and pilot testing of warning images to avoid unintentionally glamorising smoking. They noted the study’s limitations, including the absence of accompanying warning text and a predominantly student sample.
Source: Irish Examiner, 23 November 2025
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Written questions
Asked by Richard Holden, Conservative, Basildon and Billericay
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill, what is the policy rationale for legislating for byelaws which can ban vaping outside bus stops.
Answered by Simon Lightwood, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport), Labour, Wakefield and Rothwell
The Government is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour on the bus network. The Bus Services Act 2025 provides Local Transport Authorities (LTAs) with the power to create byelaws, should they wish to do so, and deploy officers who can deal with low level anti-social behaviour and fare evasion on buses.
These measures give LTAs greater flexibility to ensure that passengers feel safe and will make it easier for LTAs to prevent behaviours such as vaping, smoking and causing a nuisance on their bus networks. It will be up to LTAs to decide which behaviours they most need to target with these powers and the Government will be publishing guidance for LTAs which will emphasise the need for [answer cut off].
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Asked by Sir James Cleverly, Conservative, Braintree
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2025 to Question 78182 on Retail Trade: Planning Permission, whether the proposing licensing regime for the retail sale of vaping products will regulate the (a) number and (b) cumulative impact of vaping shops that are permitted to operate in a locality.
Answered by Ashley Dalton, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care),Labour, West Lancashire
On 8 October 2025, we launched a Call for Evidence to gather views on a range of topics related to tobacco, vapes, and nicotine products, including the implementation of the proposed licensing scheme for the retail sale of these products. The Call for Evidence asks detailed questions, including on factors that should be taken into consideration when making decisions on the granting of a premises licence, such as the location and density of retailers. We welcome feedback on the questions in the Call for Evidence.
The evidence gathered will be used to inform the development of the licensing scheme, and we will launch a subsequent consultation on our policy proposals before bringing forward secondary legislation. The Call for Evidence is available at the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/tobacco-and-vapes-evidence-to-support-legislation/tobacco-and-vapes-evidence-to-support-legislation
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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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