The House of Commons passed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill on Wednesday after MPs voted 366 to 41 to approve it at third reading.
The Bill, which will now proceed to the House of Lords, proposes to increase the legal age for tobacco sales by one year every year, starting in 2027, ensuring that individuals born on or after January 1, 2009, will never legally be able to buy tobacco.
It will also give the government powers to stop vapes and other consumer nicotine products (such as nicotine pouches) from being deliberately branded and advertised to appeal to children.
“When this government took office, we promised to create a smokefree generation. Today we are delivering on that promise,” public health and prevention minister Ashley Dalton said, concluding the debate.
“The Bill will tackle the concerning rise in youth vaping and reduce the immense burden that tobacco-related illnesses place on our society and our NHS.”
Commenting on the development, leading vape brand Elfbar has warned that two million UK vapers may turn to illegal vapes or return to tobacco if the government over-regulates the sector.
“Following [the] report stage sitting of the Bill, the government must carefully evaluate the evidence before implementing further restrictions on vaping,” Eve Peters, director of government affairs for Elfbar in the UK, said.
“We support measures like a vape tax, retail licensing system and vending machine ban. However, proportionate regulation, particularly on flavours, is essential for the government to avoid undermining its smokefree ambition.
“New research shows two million UK vapers (35%) would resort to illegal single-use vapes, return to smoking, or smoke more if overly restrictive regulations are imposed on flavours, display and packaging alongside the upcoming single-use ban in June.
“With the single-use ban set to disrupt over 60% of the market and potentially increase smoking rates, a full public health impact assessment following the ban is needed before considering additional measures.”
New research by Elfbar has revealed that over a third of UK vapers would resort to illegal single-use vapes, return to smoking, or smoke more if the government imposes overly restrictive regulations on vape flavours, display and packaging. This rises to 50 per cent among single-use vape users.
It also found 68 per cent of adult vapers believe a range of flavours helps to stop them smoking tobacco and that 21per cent of adults quit smoking over the past five years, of which 45 per cent used vapes as part of their successful quit journey.
Dan Marchant, director at Vape Club, and founding member of the UKVIA, commented that the real issue lies in the inadequate enforcement of current regulations and penalties for those in violation of the law, particularly when it comes to underage and illicit vape sales.
“With the disposable vape ban coming into force, we risk a new generation of illegal and potentially dangerous vaping products in the UK, all because the core of the issue has not been addressed. This boils down to lacklustre fines and little structure to provide Trading Standards with adequate funding,” Marchant said.
The UKVIA has revealed that, despite a £30m boost in funding, committed by the UK government, only a third of this would have been designated to Trading Standards.
“This is why we are continuing to call for a Licensing Framework, which offers a clear, enforceable alternative,” Marchant said.
“This framework would equip Trading Standards with the necessary tools and authority to take decisive action, ensuring that unscrupulous traders face significant penalties. It has the potential to close existing loopholes and create a stronger deterrent against illegal activities, all without imposing any cost on taxpayers.”
