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** 18 September 2026
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** UK
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** New restrictions on vape promotions and sales take effect (#1)
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** Letter: Concerns grow over the normalisation of smoking (#2)
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** International
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** Smoking risks extend beyond the lungs (#3)
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** Trump’s latest surgeon general nominee faces Senate hearing (#4)
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** Link of the Week
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** Have your say: tobacco and vape packaging consultation (#5)
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** UK
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** New restrictions on vape promotions and sales take effect

From 29 October, businesses across the UK will be prohibited from giving away free vape samples, pods and other vaping or nicotine products for promotional purposes under the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026. Promotional discounts and coupons for these products will also be restricted, although ordinary price reductions and certain trade discounts can continue.

The same date will introduce a minimum age of 18 for purchasing all vaping and nicotine products across the UK, including nicotine-free vapes and nicotine pouches. Retailers can face fixed penalties of £200 in England, Wales and Scotland, while Northern Ireland plans a £250 penalty subject to approval. More serious cases can result in larger fines and, in England and Wales, up to two years' imprisonment for certain offences.

Stop smoking services operating through public-authority arrangements will remain able to provide vaping and nicotine products or vouchers. Further tobacco restrictions are due to begin in England and Wales from 1 January 2027.

Source: Mirror, 17 September 2026

Editorial note: Vape retailer Ecigone is featured prominently throughout this article, with commentary from owner Shane Margereson on the upcoming changes.
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Read Here ([link removed])


** Letter: Concerns grow over the normalisation of smoking

In a letter to the Financial Times, Suzanne Cass, CEO of ASH Wales, warns that smoking could become increasingly normalised through its portrayal in celebrity culture, fashion, music and social media. Cass says Wales has reduced smoking rates but continues to face significant health inequalities linked to tobacco, particularly among disadvantaged communities.

Cass highlights the Tobacco and Vapes Act as an opportunity to protect future generations from tobacco addiction, while stressing the need for prevention, public communication and continued engagement with young people, families and communities. Cass also points to the estimated £1.56bn annual cost of smoking to Wales and calls for tobacco to remain a public health priority.

Source: Financial Times, 18 September 2026
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Read Here ([link removed])


** International
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** Smoking risks extend beyond the lungs

In a CNN interview, Katia Hetter speaks with Dr Leana Wen, an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University, about a study examining awareness of smoking-related health risks across 46 countries. The study found that smokers were far more aware of the link between smoking and lung cancer than the risks of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes, with awareness of secondhand smoke’s cardiovascular effects lower still.

In 2019, smoking contributed to about 2.6 million deaths from heart disease and stroke, while secondhand smoke caused an estimated 1.3 million deaths among non-smokers in 2021.

Dr Wen said cigarette smoke damages blood vessels, promotes inflammation and plaque formation, makes blood more likely to clot, and can raise heart rate and blood pressure. Dr Wen said quitting completely brings cardiovascular benefits, while simply reducing cigarette consumption does not remove the substantial risks.

Source: CNN, 16 September 2026

Chung-Hall J, Fong GT, Meng G, et al. Changes in knowledge of the major harms of tobacco smoking and secondhand smoke exposure among adults who smoke: findings from 26 countries of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Project (2002–2022) and 32 countries of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) (2008–2020) ([link removed]) . 2026.
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Read Here ([link removed])


** Trump’s latest surgeon general nominee faces Senate hearing

Dr Nicole Saphier, President Donald Trump’s third nominee for US surgeon general, is due to face questioning from senators over qualifications, healthcare views and potential conflicts of interest. The radiologist and former Fox News contributor was selected after Trump withdrew Janette Nesheiwat and Dr Casey Means failed to secure sufficient Senate support.

An ethics filing states Saphier holds investments in processed food companies, like Coca-Cola, Yum Brands, the Hershey Co. and cigarette maker Philip Morris. Saphier is also owner of DropRx, a company selling unregulated tinctures, that are known to include potentially hazardous ingredients.

Source: The Independent, 16 September 2026
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Read Here ([link removed])
Link of the week


** Have your say: tobacco and vape packaging consultation

The UK and devolved Governments are consulting on proposals ([link removed]) to restrict the packaging, appearance and display of tobacco, vapes and other nicotine products, with the aim of reducing their appeal and visibility to children.

There are just 14 days left to respond – the consultation closes at 11.59pm on 2 October 2026.

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** Respond online here ([link removed])

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** We are encouraging public health professionals, members of the public and young people to take a few minutes to respond and make sure there is a strong public health voice in the consultation.

The online survey takes around 5–10 minutes to complete. Please share your views and encourage others to respond too. Visit the ASH website ([link removed]) for further information and guidance on how to respond and on the consultation.
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For more information email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or visit www.ash.org.uk
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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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