Tobacco and Vapes Bill

Key Points

• Governing aim: create a smokefree generation by restricting sales to those born after a specific date (generational age threshold), with some amendments proposing an earlier, separate age threshold (e.g., 21).
• Age threshold debates: amendments sought to raise the sale age to 21 and to modify how the generational ban works; most attempts to shift the policy were defeated, while some groups favoured a gradual, incremental approach to the age ban.
• Vaping and packaging controls: the bill tightens regulation of vaping products (including flavours, packaging and display rules), and adds requirements such as potential health warnings on packaging and standardised designs; several amendments sought to exempt or differently regulate heated tobacco products from the generational ban.
• Enforcement and compliance: proposals for stronger enforcement (including licensing of sellers, higher penalties, and a dedicated Illicit Tobacco Taskforce funded by government) to curb illicit trade and ensure compliance; some amendments would have created licensing or expanded penalties, but many were not retained.
• Evidence and industry debate: written submissions from public health groups, industry representatives and researchers highlighted tensions between harm reduction (vaping as a quit aid) and protections for youth, with calls for both stricter controls and clearer enforcement; the balance between public health goals and potential unintended consequences (illicit trade, consumer freedom) shaped the amendments.
• Future measures: the bill mentions a Vaping Products Duty (to be introduced in 2026, subject to consultation) and various regulatory powers to be exercised across nations and by different authorities.

Progress

The bill has moved from its 2nd Reading through Committee stages to Report Stage in the Commons. On 26 March 2025, Third Reading passed with a large majority (366 Aye, 41 No). Amendments at Report Stage (e.g., 85, 1, 19, 2) were largely defeated, indicating government support for the core framework while continuing debate over specific policy details. A new version of the bill exists in the current Session, with the old version summarised here as the basis for scrutiny.

Voting

Early votes showed broad cross‑party support for the main aim, with the Conservative government and allied parties backing the core measures. During Report Stage, most amendments proposed to alter age rules, exemptions (such as heated tobacco products), or packaging/advertising requirements were defeated, while some clauses (e.g., Agreement on a specific penalty level) were accepted by the government. Overall, the bill enjoys strong government support but faces significant debate and some opposition within Labour and other parties on particular provisions.