The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has undergone its second reading in the House of Commons, presented by Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of Health and Social Care. The bill aims to address the health impacts of smoking and vaping, with a focus on protecting vulnerable populations from second-hand smoke.
Wes Streeting highlighted the dangers of second-hand smoke, stating: “No smoker intends on causing harm to others but that is unintentionally what they do through second-hand smoke. The harms are less than actively smoking, but the evidence shows they are still substantial. If you can smell smoke, you are inhaling it." He further emphasized the need for protections around schools and hospitals: “Smoke near schools and playgrounds exposes children to smoke. Hospitals, by definition, have very high numbers of medically vulnerable people on their grounds."
The bill will now proceed to the committee stage and then to the House of Lords for further review before potentially receiving royal assent from King Charles.
Key proposals in the bill include a total ban on vape advertising and sponsorship, along with a potential ban on sweet vape flavors. Additionally, it proposes preventing anyone born after January 1, 2009, from legally purchasing tobacco by gradually increasing the legal age.
Dr. Nigel Carter from the Oral Health Foundation expressed support for these measures: “Creating the first of a smoke-free generation is vitally important for...our overall health as a country." He stressed that this could help reduce diseases linked to smoking such as mouth cancer.
Further measures in the bill involve banning sales of vaping products to those under 18 and consulting on bans around certain outdoor areas like schools and hospitals. Local councils would be empowered to implement licensing schemes for retailers selling tobacco products.
Helen Duffy from Action on Smoking and Health commented: "Passing this Bill is a vital way...protecting the health of the next generation by ensuring they won’t become addicted to smoking." She noted that more comprehensive policies are needed alongside this bill.
Health organizations including the Oral Health Foundation back this legislation in hopes that it will alleviate some pressures faced by healthcare services due to smoking-related illnesses.
