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Devon’s smoking cessation programme widens reach to support vulnerable groups
Devon’s smoking cessation programme is broadening its work to better support people experiencing homelessness and vulnerable groups. Stop for Life Devon’s increased staffing has enabled the programme to introduce drop-in clinics, allowing it to reach more people seeking help to stop smoking. The free service aims to help people make a realistic quit plan and offers coaching.
Source: Kingsbridge and Salcombe Gazette, 29 January 2026
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Tobacco company Philip Morris International calls for tougher framework to combat illicit tobacco
In an interview with Better Retailing, tobacco company Philip Morris International (PMI) has claimed that recent enforcement measures aimed at curbing the illicit tobacco market in the UK are insufficient. PMI have suggested that “mild” penalties allow offenders to continue operating. The comments come as Trading Standards has reported a rise in fines issued under expanded powers introduced in July 2023. PMI is instead pushing for a formal licensing system for tobacco retailers, which it believes would make it easier to shut down retailers selling illicit tobacco.
Source: Better Retailing, 29 January 2026
Editorial note: This article has been included to provide insight into market trends and industry developments.
Tobacco companies have a long track record of exploiting the illicit tobacco trade to further their lobbying efforts, undermine public health policies and maximise their profits. 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.
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.
See also: Tobacco Tactics – Philip Morris International
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Former Minister warns Health Bill will face major changes in the Lords
Lord Hunt, a former Labour Health Minister, has suggested the government’s proposed Health Bill is unlikely to pass through the House of Lords without significant amendments, particularly plans to abolish Healthwatch. He argues that removing Healthwatch, the independent body that represents patient and public interests, would face strong opposition, unless replaced with a credible alternative that can properly hold the NHS to account.
He also criticised the government’s wider NHS reforms, saying they amount to increased central direction from the Department of Health and Social Care rather than genuine devolution. While accepting the case for making the NHS more directly accountable to ministers and Parliament, he questioned the value of further large-scale structural changes, warning that repeated reorganisations rarely deliver meaningful improvements. He predicted delays to the Health Bill’s passage, potentially complicating the timetable for implementing the reforms.
Source: Health Service Journal, 30 January 2026
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Film-makers relocate production due to Welsh smoking rules
A Welsh horror film was filmed in northern England due to smoke-free rules in Wales that bans smoking on film sets. In England, there is an exemption to smoke-free legislation if someone is required to smoke as part of their role as an actor. The directors of the film say the story centres on a couple whose smoking is integral to the storyline, and the production team did not use the Welsh government’s advice on using adapted e-cigarettes.
Source: BBC News, 30 January 2026
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Turkey: New draft law aims to make tobacco less visible and restrict smoking in public spaces
New draft regulations from the Health Ministry in Turkey have been designed to further limit the presence of tobacco in everyday life and curb smoking rates. The measures would require tobacco products to be hidden from view at retail points rather than displayed openly and extend bans or strict limits on smoking in outdoor settings such as parks, gardens and playgrounds to reduce children’s exposure to smoking. The plan is expected to be submitted to parliament for approval soon.
Source: Hürriyet Daily News, 30 January 2026
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Channel Islands: Retailers doubt ban on disposable vapes will curb use or waste
Shop owners in the Channel Islands have expressed scepticism that a new ban on disposable vaping products introduced this week will significantly reduce vaping, claiming instead that it may increase packaging waste and have little commercial impact. The ban, which also coincides with plans to introduce a levy on vaping liquids in Guernsey later this year, is intended to address environmental concerns and rising use among young people. Guernsey’s director of Environmental Health and Pollution Regulation, Tobin Cook, explained that retailers have had “plenty of time to get provisions in place” so they are hopeful there will be only a small amount of stock that needs to be disposed of.
Source: BBC News, 29 January 2026
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Tobacco company Altria’s shares fall as cigarette sales decline
Tobacco company Altria has reported a dip in shares as falling cigarette sales and competition with newer nicotine products put pressure on earnings. Revenue slipped as cigarette smoking continues its long-term decline. Efforts to shift towards newer nicotine products have yet to gain strong traction. Although one of Altria’s nicotine pouch brands recently received regulatory clearance by the FDA, its market share has fallen amid price competition in the category.
Source: The Independent, 29 January 2026
Editorial note: This article has been included to provide insight into market trends and industry developments.
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When tobacco companies finally conceded the dangers of smoking
This article looks back on the 29th January 1998, when senior figures from major US tobacco companies accepted before Congress that smoking causes health problems and nicotine is addictive after decades of denial. Their statements followed the exposure of internal documents showing that the industry had long understood the health risks while working to cast doubt on scientific evidence and protect sales.
Source: Nautilus, 29 January 2026
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The Tobacco and Vapes Bill now has a date for Report Stage.
The first day of Report will take place on the 24th February 2026.
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ASH, AHA and OHA Briefing: Scratching the surface – what factors underpin public support for public health policies?
This analysis of polling by Public First for Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), the Obesity Health Alliance (OHA) and the Alcohol Health Alliance (AHA) explores the factors that underpin public support for particular public health policies across tobacco, alcohol and food.
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Let’s talk e-cigarettes podcast episode 48
In this podcast episode, Associate Professor Jamie Hartmann-Boyce and Associate Professor Nicola Lindson discuss emerging evidence in e-cigarette research and discuss the living systematic review process.
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