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** 6 January 2026
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UK


** Health leaders back Tobacco and Vapes Bill to create smoke-free generation (#1)
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** Key vaping product duty and Tobacco and Vapes Bill changes for retailers (#2)
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** Vape liquid duty set to be introduced in October 2026 (#3)
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** Poll claims public opposition to generational smoking ban (#4)
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** Department of Health responds to 20isPlenty campaigners (#5)
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** VPZ calls for swift progress on Tobacco and Vapes Bill (#6)
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** Labour urged to remove rule favouring approval of new gambling venues (#7)
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** International
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** Croatia raises tobacco taxes amid public health concerns (#8)
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** Parliamentary activity
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** Written answer (#9)
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UK


** Health leaders back Tobacco and Vapes Bill to create smoke-free generation

Health leaders in the North East are supporting the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, part of England’s 10 Year Health Plan, which from January 2027 will make it illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009, aiming to create a smoke-free generation and limit marketing of vaping products to children.

Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) reports that 69% of 11–17-year-olds who smoke regret starting, and 64% want to quit. Ailsa Rutter OBE, Director of Fresh and Balance, highlights the health and economic costs of smoking and stresses the goal of giving the next generation a life free from tobacco-related disease.

Dr Neil O’Brien, Executive Medical Director for North East and North Cumbria NHS ICB, says smoking drives health inequalities and puts daily pressure on the NHS. Amanda Healy, Director of Public Health for Durham County Council, adds that smoking costs the region nearly £2 billion annually and harms families, communities, and the local economy.

Over 50 regional organisations, including local authorities, fire services, and NHS Trusts, have also formally endorsed the initiative.

Source: The Shields Gazette, 6 January 2026

See also: ASH - Most Young Smokers Wish They Had Never Started – One Year Ahead of Landmark Smokefree Generation Policy ([link removed])
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** Key vaping product duty and Tobacco and Vapes Bill changes for retailers

From 1 October 2026, the UK will introduce a new Vaping Products Duty (VPD), charging £2.20 per 10ml of vaping liquid regardless of nicotine strength. Every vaping product liable for this duty must carry a duty stamp on its retail packaging to be sold legally. From 1 April 2027, selling vaping products without this duty stamp will become an offence, subject to penalties.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, currently progressing through Parliament, aims to create a “smoke-free generation” by phasing out tobacco sales to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. The Bill will introduce a licensing scheme for retailers selling tobacco, vape, and nicotine products across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and impose a £200 on-the-spot fine for underage sales.

Source: Convenience Store, 5 January 2026

See also: ASH – Tobacco and Vapes Bill ([link removed])
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** Vape liquid duty set to be introduced in October 2026

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) says the new Vaping Products Duty, set at £2.20 per 10ml of vaping liquid from October 2026, is designed to reduce vaping uptake, particularly among non-smokers and young people, by making products less affordable. At the same time, HMRC aims to maintain incentives for smokers to switch to less harmful alternatives.

The duty applies regardless of nicotine content to simplify compliance and reduce disputes over product classification. HMRC expects the measure to generate significant revenue, estimated at £135 million in 2026–27 and rising to £565 million by 2030–31.

To combat illicit trade and improve traceability, all vaping products will require a Vaping Duty Stamp from April 2027, with penalties for non-compliance. HMRC emphasises that these regulations support broader public health goals, aiming to restrict youth access to unregulated vaping products.

The government stresses that those who do not vape or smoke should not start, reflecting the Chief Medical Officer’s view that the duty will have a “significant positive effect on health outcomes.”

Source: Mirror, 5 January 2026
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** Poll claims public opposition to generational smoking ban

A survey carried out by Whitestone Insight and commissioned by the Freedom Association claims that nearly two-thirds of people in the UK oppose plans to ban cigarette sales to anyone born after January 2009.

Source: The Sun, 5 January 2026

Editorial note: The poll did not find that “Two-thirds of Brits against new generational smoking ban” as the article claims. Respondents appear to have been asked whether the age of sale should stay at 18, be increased to 21, or increased indefinitely (the generational ban). 29% said the age of sale should stay the same while 26% said it should rise to 21. These answers have been grouped together to support the dubious claim that two-thirds of respondents (or 55%) oppose the generational ban. This leaves 45% of respondents unaccounted for. The Sun doesn’t say how many people supported the generational ban or how many said they don’t know. The article does not provide detail on the survey questions or methodology and Whitestone Insight has not published this information. Previous polling ([link removed]) by Whitestone Insight in July 2025 found that two thirds of respondents supported the generational ban with only 21% opposed.
This echoes the latest ASH/YouGov survey ([link removed]) which found that 68% of adults in England supported the generational ban, compared to 13% opposed.

The Freedom Association (TFA) ([link removed]) opposes tobacco control legislation, and has previously campaigned against the tobacco display ban and plain packaging. The campaign group is closely linked to the tobacco industry-backed lobbying organisation Forest and has failed to disclose whether it has received funding from the tobacco industry.
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** Department of Health responds to 20isPlenty campaigners

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has responded to correspondence from the 20isPlenty campaign, led by major vape retailers. The department stated that nicotine pouches may expose users to less harms than smoking, as they do not expose users to the toxins produced by burning tobacco.

Officials cautioned that their high nicotine content and rapid absorption could lead to dependence, particularly among young people, and expressed concern about rising use among young men. DHSC added that any future restrictions will be carefully designed to avoid pushing adults back to smoking, with consultations planned and further research underway into the health effects of nicotine products and their role in smoking cessation.

Source: Talking Retail, 5 January 2026
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** VPZ calls for swift progress on Tobacco and Vapes Bill

VPZ, a major vape retailer, is urging MPs to prioritise the Tobacco and Vapes Bill and set a date for its House of Lords Report Stage. The retailer argues that timely progress is vital and aims to further engage MPs and peers in Westminster in the coming weeks.

Source: Talking Retail, 5 January 2026

Editorial note: This article has been included to provide insight into market trends and industry developments.
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** Labour urged to remove rule favouring approval of new gambling venues

Keir Starmer is facing pressure from Labour MP Dawn Butler, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and hundreds of other politicians and campaigners to change gambling laws that they say weaken local decision-making. They argue that a long-standing rule dating back to the mid-2000s pushes councils and regulators to approve new bookmakers and 24-hour gaming venues, even where there is strong community opposition or existing saturation on high streets.

Although the government has pledged to allow councils to consider the cumulative impact of multiple gambling premises in one area, critics say this does not go far enough.

Source: The Guardian, 5 January 2026

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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** International
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** Croatia raises tobacco taxes amid public health concerns

From January 2026, excise duties on cigarettes, tobacco, and e-liquids have increased in Croatia, causing cigarette prices to rise by up to 20 euro cents per pack. The government expects these changes to generate nearly €130 million in additional revenue.

The tax increase aims to reduce smoking and nicotine use to improve public health as smoking remains widespread, with around 900,000 smokers in Croatia.

Source: Croatia Week, 5 January 2026
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** Parliamentary activity
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** Written answer

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** Asked by Ben Obese-Jecty MP, Conservative, Huntingdon

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department’s policies of the submissions from (a) Greece, (b) Slovakia, (c) Romania and (d) Czechia on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill through the EU TRIS process.

Answered by Ashey Dalton, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Labour, West Lancashire

The Technical Regulatory Information System notification is a standard process which applies under the Windsor Framework. It is not an approval process. The Government’s position remains that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will apply in Northern Ireland and is consistent with both our domestic and international obligations.
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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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