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UK Gov: Raising Age of Sale and Ban on Disposable Vapes

Latest evidence · September 2026

This January 2024 article reflects proposals and smoking-cost estimates available at that time. The law and evidence have moved on. See our current law guide and latest Wales statistics.

A package of measures announced by the UK Government as part of its response to the consultation on smoking and vaping, is being welcomed by the health charity ASH Wales.

Suzanne Cass, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health Wales, said, “Today’s announcements are a vital stepping stone on the path to ending the smoking epidemic once and for all. The UK Government’s strategy, which is supported by Welsh Government, is the right one: stop smoking initiation, support smokers to quit by using the most effective methods, while protecting children by curbing youth vaping. Smoking kills 5,600 people every year in Wales and costs the Welsh NHS more than £300m. Smoking is the silent killer that hides in plain sight. Ending this scourge on society is long overdue.”
  • Ban on disposable vapes
ASH was first to raise the alarm about disposable vapes fueling a growth in underage vaping, after our UK survey data in 2022 showed an uptick in underage vaping with disposables the majority choice. This trend has continued and in 2023 and 69% of underage vapers said they use disposable vapes.Disposable vapes are widely available for pocket money prices, attractive and easy to use, and environmentally damaging and tough action is needed. However, there are significant challenges to making a ban work, and there need to be exemptions for use by healthcare professionals with vulnerable smokers.
  • New powers to restrict vape flavours, introduce plain packaging and change how vapes are displayed in shops so that they don’t appeal to children.
Suzanne Cass, chief executive of ASH Wales, said: “The UK Government is taking vital powers to control the design and promotion of e-cigarettes to prevent them being promoted to children. The comic characters, bright colours and sweet names so appealing to children are unacceptable for products that should only be promoted to adults as an aid to quitting smoking.”
  • New law will make it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1st January 2009,
The new law is supported by all the leading health organisations including the medical royal colleges, health charities and professional associations. A large online survey by YouGov for ASH Wales found that six in ten (62%) adults in Wales already support the legislation, with only 15% opposed.For more information, please contact Louise Elliott:louise.elliott@ashwales.org.uk 

Youth Vaping Education Package

ASH Wales currently offer a Youth Vaping Education Package. For more information please contact Tirion Meredith:tirion.meredith@ashwales.org.uk

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