UK Government Announces Results of the “Smoke-Free Generation” Consultation: Plans to Restrict Vapin

  On January 29, the UK Department of Health and Social Care published its response to the consultation on “Creating a Smoke-Free Generation and Tackling Youth Vaping Devices.” The consultation covered the smoke-free generation policy, measures to address youth vaping, and enforcement issues.

Breaking news on January 29: the UK Department of Health and Social Care released “Creating a Smoke-Free Generation and Tackling Youth Vaping: Government Response.” The consultation discussed proposed actions by the UK government and devolved governments on smoking and youth vaping, covering the period from October 12, 2023 to December 6, 2023.

The consultation covered three main areas:

• Creating a smoke-free generation: discussion of the scope of the smoke-free generation policy.

• Tackling youth vaping: seeking evidence based on analysis of youth vaping, and consulting on issues such as restrictions on point-of-sale displays and packaging.

• Enforcement: consulting on proposals to introduce new powers, including issuing fixed penalty notices and enforcing age-of-sale legislation for tobacco products and vaping devices.

During the consultation period, the Department of Health received nearly 28,000 responses. Most responses supported the government’s proposal to create a smoke-free generation.

Most respondents agreed with the proposals to address youth vaping, especially restrictions on point-of-sale displays and packaging. There were some differences of opinion on how these measures should be implemented.

Some supported extending the regulations to non-nicotine vaping devices and other nicotine products in order to prevent loopholes and strengthen enforcement. Respondents strongly supported banning the sale of disposable vaping products. Respondents also supported enforcement of tobacco and vaping measures, including the introduction of new fixed penalty notices (FPNs) in England.

The UK government plans to introduce legislation and take the following measures:

1. Change the legal sales age: prohibit the legal sale of tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, while also banning proxy purchasing.
2. Introduce regulations: restrict vaping product flavors, point-of-sale displays, and packaging.
3. New penalty system: introduce new fixed penalty notices, with a £100 fine for violations involving underage sales and free distribution.

In addition, local governments in England, Scotland, and Wales plan to ban the sale of disposable vaping devices, while officials in Northern Ireland are also considering possible legislation.

The UK government believes it is necessary to reduce the prevalence of vaping and will work together with devolved governments to ensure consistent regulation.

Click to read the original text of the public consultation results original text