The UK government has unveiled tighter and tougher protections to safeguard children and communities from the harms of illicit tobacco and vapes. This move is part of the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which aims to create a smoke-free UK.
A significant component of this initiative is a £10 million boost for Trading Standards, which will be used to fund the recruitment of 80 additional apprentice enforcement officers. These officers will work closely with local police to disrupt the supply of illicit tobacco and vape products, particularly in neighborhood shops. Their efforts will focus on preventing underage sales and tackling organized crime groups involved in the illicit trade.
Trading Standards will also intensify its operations, conducting targeted seizures and utilizing sniffer dogs to detect hidden illicit vapes in shops. This enhanced enforcement is crucial in addressing the prevalence of illicit tobacco and vape products, which are often linked to organized crime and pose significant health risks.
The new funding is part of a comprehensive package that builds upon existing measures to combat illicit tobacco and vapes. These measures include HMRC and Border Force’s £100 million Illicit Tobacco Strategy, which aims to crack down on illegal tobacco. Additionally, the new vaping duty, set to come into force in 2026, will introduce new civil and criminal powers, enabling authorities to seize products and recruit over 200 additional compliance staff.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is a critical component of the government’s Plan for Change, which seeks to create an NHS fit for the future. By focusing on prevention and tackling organized crime, the bill aims to reduce waiting lists and make communities safer. Key provisions of the bill include:
– *Gradual phasing out of tobacco sales*: The bill will prohibit the sale of tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, with the aim of creating a smoke-free generation.
– *Tougher laws to protect children*: The bill will introduce new £200 on-the-spot fines in England and Wales for breaches of age-of-sale restrictions.
– *Licensing scheme for retailers*: The bill will provide powers to introduce a licensing scheme for retailers to sell tobacco, vape, and nicotine products in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Minister for Public Health and Prevention Ashley Dalton emphasized the importance of tackling the illicit tobacco and vape trade, stating that these products are often linked to organized crime and can be incredibly dangerous. Dalton highlighted the need for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to move forward, ensuring that children are protected from addiction and that the UK moves closer to a healthier, smoke-free future.
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) and National Trading Standards have welcomed the additional funding and the provisions of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. They emphasized the need for continued action to disrupt the supply of illicit tobacco and vape products and to protect communities from the harms of these products.
