WAITING ON ROYAL ASSENT: TOBACCO & VAPE CRACKDOWN NEARS
The UK Parliament has passed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, introducing a 'generation ban' that will permanently ban tobacco sales to those born on or after January 1, 2009.Summary
The UK Parliament has passed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is now awaiting royal assent. The legislation introduces a "generation ban" that will permanently prohibit tobacco sales to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009. This creates a rolling prohibition where the legal age of sale increases by one year annually, effectively restricting a permanently growing cohort of adults. The policy aims to reduce tobacco consumption to near zero over time, posing significant challenges for independent retailers who face complex compliance demands, declining tobacco revenue, and the need to adapt to stricter regulations on vaping products. The bill also includes measures to restrict vape flavours and packaging to curb youth uptake. Retailers warn that the policy may drive customers toward illicit trade, creating a two-tier market where illegal operators thrive without the same restrictions or tax burden.
(Source：c-talk.co.uk)
