Olivia
7 Tháng 11, 2024
Additional measures will be implemented to regulate the flavors, display, and packaging of all types of “vapes” and other nicotine products.
Under separate environmental legislation, disposable vapes are also set to be banned starting on 1 June, 2025. These new proposals are also distinct from plans to introduce a “first of its kind vaping tax.”
In a decision likely to please the hospitality sector, Labour has announced a reversal on its plans to implement a smoking and vaping ban in beer gardens across the country.
“We’re not going ahead or not proposing to go ahead with a ban on outdoor hospitality,” stated Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting.
Mr. Streeting noted that the hospitality industry “has taken a battering in recent years,” explaining that the idea of a ban was merely “leaked government discussion” which sparked “really good debate” on its validity.
He added, “We don’t want to add to their pressure – so we’re not proposing to go ahead with an outdoor hospitality ban at this time.”
The Government reports that nearly every minute, someone is hospitalized due to smoking, and up to 75,000 GP visits each month are linked to smoking—over 100 every hour.
Mr. Streeting commented: “Unless we act to help people stay healthy, the rising tide of ill-health in our society threatens to overwhelm and bankrupt our NHS. Prevention is better than cure.
“This government is taking bold action to create the first smoke-free generation, clamp down on kids getting hooked on nicotine through vapes, and protect children and vulnerable people from the harms of second-hand smoke.
“This historic legislation will save thousands of lives and protect the NHS. By building a healthy society, we will also help to build a healthy economy, with fewer people off work sick.”
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will now move through the formal parliamentary procedures to become law. It could be fast-tracked within a few weeks or follow the standard process, likely taking several months before it receives Royal Assent.
