The Wales Tobacco Control Alliance is calling on Members of the Senedd to back the Legislative Consent Motion for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill – a decision that will shape the future of public health in Wales.
The Alliance, which brings together organisations working to reduce smoking and protect children from nicotine addiction, has written to every Senedd Member ahead of the vote on 9th December. The letter sets out why the Bill matters for Wales and how it aligns with the country’s ambition for a Smokefree Generation.
Why the Tobacco and Vapes Bill matters for Wales
The Bill introduces measures designed to reduce smoking rates, lower cancer risk, and protect children from nicotine addiction. While it forms part of UK-wide action, supporting the Legislative Consent Motion ensures Wales remains aligned with wider regulation and maintains strong public health protections.
The Alliance highlights the need to limit access to vapes for children, reduce youth-targeted promotion and strengthen enforcement against illegal sales. Public support for these steps is high, reflecting growing concern about youth vaping and the ongoing harms caused by tobacco.
Backing the Bill would move Wales closer to its ambition of becoming smokefree, reduce health inequality, and reinforce a national commitment to evidence-led public health policy.
Statement from ASH Wales Chief Executive Suzanne Cass
Speaking ahead of the vote, Suzanne Cass, Chief Executive of ASH Wales, said:
“The vote in a fortnight is an opportunity for Wales to move in step with the rest of the UK on one of the most significant public health reforms in a generation. The measures proposed have strong evidence behind them and will reduce cancer, address health inequality, and help protect young people from lifelong addiction.”
She added:
“Today the WTCA has set out to Senedd Members why their vote is so important, and the meaningful impact it can have on the health of people in Wales.”
Next Steps
A positive vote on 9th December would confirm Welsh support for measures to reduce smoking rates, limit youth vaping, and give future generations the best chance of growing up free from tobacco addiction. The WTCA has emphasised that this is a rare opportunity for cross-party progress on an issue with strong public backing.
The vote on the Legislative Consent Motion will take place on 9th December.
“Feature Image” by Senedd Cymru / Welsh Parliament, CC BY 2.0
