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** 7 September 2026
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** UK
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** Lobbyists linked to US pro-tobacco group in prominent spot at Reform UK conference (#1)
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** Smoking associated with greater loneliness among older Europeans (#2)
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** LBC investigation into free nicotine pouch distribution raises concerns about youth access to nicotine pouches (#3)
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** The Sun reports that incoming vape tax set to increase costs for users (#4)
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** Vape tax brings changes for retailers (#5)
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** North-west crackdown targets illicit vape and tobacco sales (#6)
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** International
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** Calls for tobacco tax cuts bring industry influence back into focus (#7)
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** Parliamentary activity
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** Written questions (#8)
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** UK
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** Lobbyists linked to US pro-tobacco group in prominent spot at Reform UK conference
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** A vaping advocacy group with financial links to a tobacco industry-funded US lobbying organisation held a prominent position at Reform UK’s annual conference, according to the Daily Mirror.

We Vape operated a stand near the conference entrance promoting opposition to tobacco-control measures and other policies across gambling, food and alcohol. The organisation did not identify its own name or funding connections on the stand or accompanying material.

We Vape founder Mark Oates received funding through Oates Consulting from the Consumer Choice Center in 2023 and 2024. The Washington-based Consumer Choice Center has received funding from tobacco companies including Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco, while campaigning against measures such as standardised tobacco packaging.

Source: Daily Mirror, 5 September 2026

See also: Government Consultation – Tobacco and Vapes Packaging Appearance and Display ([link removed]) | Tobacco Tactics - Consumer Choice Center ([link removed]) | Tobacco Tactics - We Vape ([link removed])
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** Smoking associated with greater loneliness among older Europeans

A Europe-wide study of more than 50,000 found that current smokers reported higher levels of loneliness than non-smokers. Researchers using data from 15 countries also observed greater increases in loneliness among smokers over a two-year period, with only modest differences between European regions.

Dr Keir Philip, Clinical Lecturer in Respiratory Medicine at Imperial College London’s National Heart and Lung Institute, said the findings suggest smoking may affect psychosocial wellbeing as well as physical health. Possible explanations include smoking-related illness restricting mobility and smoke-free environments reducing opportunities for social interaction among people who smoke.

Source: News Medical, 6 September 2026
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** LBC investigation into free nicotine pouch distribution raises concerns about youth access to nicotine pouches

An LBC investigation has found that children are still able to access free nicotine pouch samples online, in shops, at festivals and sporting events. LBC was able to order five free sample tins from Nordic Spirit, Zyn and IQOS.

From October, it will be illegal to sell pouches to under 18s or hand out free samples. Health experts have raised concerns about the lack of regulation of pouches and risk of children becoming addicted.

Research carried out by Professor Crawford Moodie from the University of Stirling found pouch samples were being distributed in Scottish shops. One shop worker told researchers that they had been “instructed by a company representative to distribute the samples to young adults regardless of whether they already used nicotine.”

Source: LBC, 7 September 2026

See also: ASH – Tobacco and Vapes Act ([link removed])
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** The Sun reports that incoming vape tax set to increase costs for users

A new UK tax on e-liquid is due to begin on 1 October, adding 22p per millilitre before VAT and increasing the price of a standard 10ml bottle by at least £2.64. According to the Sun, the change is expected to increase annual vaping expenditure for the average user by around £280.

Guy Lawler, managing director of Vapekit, said the measure could make vaping less affordable for people using e-cigarettes to stop smoking.

Source: The Sun, 4 September 2026
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** Vape tax brings changes for retailers

Vape retailers are preparing for a new excise duty and tougher controls on underage sales from October. According to Asian Trader, retailers “seem relaxed” about the changes, with existing stock, supplier support and established age-verification procedures expected to ease the transition. Businesses will have until April 2027 to sell stock acquired before the duty takes effect.

The article notes growing evidence supporting nicotine vaping as an aid to smoking cessation, citing a recent Cochrane review. Further regulatory measures covering packaging, displays, flavour descriptions and device design are under consideration, alongside a possible licensing system for vape sellers.

Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), said the changes form part of a wider programme intended to help achieve a smokefree UK, reduce youth vaping and retain access to lower-risk nicotine products for adults trying to quit smoking.

Source: Asian Trader, 4 September 2026

See also: Cochrane review – Electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation ([link removed]) | ASH – Vaping: what you need to know ([link removed])
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** North-west crackdown targets illicit vape and tobacco sales

Police and councils across north-west England have taken action against retailers involved in the sale of illegal vapes and illicit tobacco, with more than 30 premises closed during the past year.

The enforcement activity comes as the UK government proposes tougher measures, including planning permission for new vape shops in England, tighter rules defining vape retailers and longer closure periods for businesses selling illegal tobacco.

Source: BBC, 6 September 2026

See also: ASH – Illicit Tobacco: facts, trends and industry tactics ([link removed])
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** International
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** Calls for tobacco tax cuts bring industry influence back into focus

Australia’s upcoming federal election has put tobacco taxation back at the centre of political debate, with opposition parties proposing substantial reductions in cigarette excise. These proposals have raised concerns among public health experts, who argue that lower cigarette prices could undermine decades of progress in reducing smoking and potentially increase nicotine use. The debate has also renewed scrutiny of tobacco industry lobbying, including political donations, third-party advocacy and access to policymakers.

Becky Freeman, a public health expert at the University of Sydney, says tobacco companies have become increasingly visible in policy discussions after years of operating largely through indirect influence. Simon Chapman, a tobacco control researcher, says calls for lower tobacco taxes have been a longstanding industry objective.

The Nationals remain the only major Australian political party accepting tobacco company donations, and tobacco manufacturers have also been linked to lobbying through retail and convenience-sector organisations. Research has found substantial movement of personnel between government and the tobacco industry.

David Hill, a public health researcher and anti-tobacco campaigner, argues that reducing legal cigarette prices would do little to eliminate illicit supply because illegal cigarettes can be produced extremely cheaply. The World Health Organization continues to support taxation policies designed to reduce the affordability and demand for tobacco.

Source: The Guardian, 5 September 2026

See also: The Guardian – Experts weigh in on how to tackle illicit tobacco ([link removed]) | The Guardian – Coalition accused of secretly giving big tobacco lobbyists private platform in parliament ([link removed])
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** Parliamentary activity
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** Written questions

Asked by Lord Moylan, Conservative, Life Peer

To ask His Majesty's Government, following the publication of the consultation by the Department of Health and Social Care, Tobacco and vapes: packaging, appearance and display, published on 10 July, whether impact assessments of anticipated benefits of the consultation were completed before publication of the consultation.

Answered by Baroness Merron, Labour, Life Peer

The Government published consultation-stage impact assessments covering the potential health benefits, reduced health and social care costs, and other potential impacts from reduced use of products in scope. We will continue to build the evidence base on the anticipated impact of the changes, including through information provided in response to the consultation, and we will carefully consider all consultation responses before making any final policy decisions. Updated impact assessments will follow in due course.

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** Asked by Lord Moylan, Conservative, Life Peer

To ask His Majesty's Government, following the publication of the consultation by the Department of Health and Social Care, Tobacco and vapes: packaging, appearance and display, published on 10 July, why further regulation is deemed necessary before Part 6 of the Tobacco and Vapes Act has been implemented; and what is the effectiveness of the consultation in meeting public health objectives.

Answered by Baroness Merron, Labour, Life Peer

Our intention is that the ban on the advertising and sponsorship of vapes and nicotine products will come into force on 1 June 2027. As per the requirements of the Act, regulations are required to implement this ban on this date. This includes necessary consequential amendments made to other pieces of primary legislation, such as the Communications Act. These are not subject to consultation.

The consultation on packaging, display, device appearance and flavour descriptors that was published on 10 July 2026 covers different regulation-making powers under the Act and is a distinct exercise from the implementation of Part 6.

These measures will help tackle youth vaping and protect children from the risk of harm and addiction.

See also: Question for DHSC - Tobacco Packaging ([link removed]) - Nicotine Pouches | Electronic Cigarettes ([link removed]) – Vape Products | Tobacco Packaging ([link removed]) – Heated Tobacco

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** Asked by David Simmonds, Conservative, Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Prime Minister's article entitled High streets have lost their buzz - local people must be ones to get it back, published in the Daily Mirror of 10 August 2026, through what mechanisms will regulatory restrictions on vaping shops entail the opening of (a) butchers, (b) bakers and (c) bookshops.

Answered by Jim McMahon, Labour, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government), Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton

To give communities and councils greater control over the future of their high streets, we will consult on new planning rules so that most shops changing use to vape shops and adult gaming centres will need to submit a planning application before opening. The consultation on the change will be published in the Autumn.

Whilst the introduction of a licensing for tobacco and vaping retailers using powers in the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 will strengthen enforcement, these changes will give councils greater powers to prevent clustering or new shops opening in inappropriate locations, such as near schools.

A clearer definition of a vape shop, combined with planning controls, will help local planning authorities identify and monitor premises whose primary purpose is the sale of vapes. Evidence on likely impacts and whether other premises should also be restricted will be gathered through consultation and considered before final policy decisions are made.

We will also review business rates reliefs for businesses that do not make a positive contribution to local communities. Further detail will be set out at the Budget, following careful consideration of the impact of different policy options and definitions on different types of businesses.

These measures are initial steps towards a wider High Streets Strategy, to be published later this year.
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** Asked by David Simmonds, Conservative, Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the No10 press release entitled PM vows to save hollowed out high streets with crackdown on vape and betting shops, 10 August 2026, whether an impact assessment has been produced in relation to the changes announced in the press release.

Answered by Jim McMahon, Labour, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government), Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton

To give communities and councils greater control over the future of their high streets, we will consult on new planning rules so that most shops changing use to vape shops and adult gaming centres will need to submit a planning application before opening. The consultation on the change will be published in the Autumn.

Whilst the introduction of a licensing for tobacco and vaping retailers using powers in the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 will strengthen enforcement, these changes will give councils greater powers to prevent clustering or new shops opening in inappropriate locations, such as near schools.

A clearer definition of a vape shop, combined with planning controls, will help local planning authorities identify and monitor premises whose primary purpose is the sale of vapes. Evidence on likely impacts and whether other premises should also be restricted will be gathered through consultation and considered before final policy decisions are made.

We will also review business rates reliefs for businesses that do not make a positive contribution to local communities. Further detail will be set out at the Budget, following careful consideration of the impact of different policy options and definitions on different types of businesses.

These measures are initial steps towards a wider High Streets Strategy, to be published later this year.

See also: Questions for Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government – Electronic Cigarettes: Shops ([link removed]) | Planning Restrictions ([link removed]) | Consultations on Vape Shops ([link removed])
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** Asked by Sir James Cleverly, Conservative, Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Braintree

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the No10 press release entitled PM vows to save hollowed out high streets with crackdown on vape and betting shops, published on10 August 2026, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the changes to planning on the number of empty shops.

Answered by Jim McMahon, Labour, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government), Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton

To give communities and councils greater control over the future of their high streets, we will consult on new planning rules so that most shops changing use to vape shops and adult gaming centres will need to submit a planning application before opening. The consultation on the change will be published in the Autumn.

Whilst the introduction of a licensing for tobacco and vaping retailers using powers in the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 will strengthen enforcement, these changes will give councils greater powers to prevent clustering or new shops opening in inappropriate locations, such as near schools.

A clearer definition of a vape shop, combined with planning controls, will help local planning authorities identify and monitor premises whose primary purpose is the sale of vapes. Evidence on likely impacts and whether other premises should also be restricted will be gathered through consultation and considered before final policy decisions are made.

We will also review business rates reliefs for businesses that do not make a positive contribution to local communities. Further detail will be set out at the Budget, following careful consideration of the impact of different policy options and definitions on different types of businesses.

These measures are initial steps towards a wider High Streets Strategy, to be published later this year.

See also: Question for Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government – Electronic Cigarettes: Planning permission ([link removed]) | Vaping shop class ([link removed])
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** Asked by Vicky Foxcroft, Labour, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport), Lewisham North

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what a) amount and b) percentage of Vape Products Duty has been spent to date on tackling rogue traders of vapes and cigarettes.

Answered by James Murray, Labour, Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General, Ealing North

Vaping Products Duty (VPD) will come into effect on 1 October 2026. As it has not yet come into force, no amount of VPD revenue has been spent to date.
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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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