Approximate read time: 45 minutes
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill completed its stages in the House of Commons on 26 March 2025 and is scheduled to have its second reading in the House of Lords on 23 April 2025. It includes measures intended to stop anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 from ever smoking tobacco, creating a ‘smoke-free generation’. The bill also aims to stop vaping being advertised to appeal to children, while enabling adult tobacco smokers to use vaping to help them quit. The bill aims to ensure a consistent approach to tobacco and vaping regulation across the UK. Measures include:
- a ban on advertising and sponsorship of vaping and nicotine products
- a ban on selling vapes, including non-nicotine vapes, and nicotine products to under 18s
- outlawing free distribution of vape and tobacco products and their sale from vending machines
- powers to regulate flavours, packaging and display, and update product standards
- powers to designate certain outdoor public places and workplaces as smoke-free
- powers to make certain smoke-free places also vape-free and heated-tobacco-free
- powers to introduce licensing and product registration schemes
The bill is similar to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill 2023–24, introduced by the previous (Conservative) government, which fell at dissolution 2024. During the bill’s Commons proceedings, MPs noted the new bill includes further measures, including more regulation-making powers.
The aims of the bill received broad support in the Commons, though some members expressed concerns about specific measures and the practicality and ethics of their implementation.
Alongside the bill, the government has published explanatory notes, an impact assessment, a factsheet, and a delegated powers memorandum
