Portsmouth prepares for tougher smoking and vaping laws
Portsmouth Council is implementing stricter smoking and vaping rules, including higher fines, a lifetime tobacco ban for younger generations, and new enforcement powers.Summary
Portsmouth City Council is preparing to enforce the new Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which introduces stricter penalties, a permanent ban on tobacco sales for anyone born on or after 1 January 2009, and stronger enforcement powers such as a licensing scheme for retailers. The council’s director of public health welcomed the changes, citing smoking as the leading cause of early death, while a public health development manager highlighted the need to balance vaping’s role in helping adults quit with protecting young people. The new measures will lead to higher fines and more shop closures for illegal sales, and the council’s wellbeing service will continue to offer free vaping products and support to smokers seeking to quit. The government also plans a vaping duty and will consult on flavour names and packaging later this year.
(Source：The News)
