Nicotine addiction overwhelmingly begins in childhood – and family influence remains the strongest factor. Despite decades of progress …
Understanding the Tobacco and Vapes Bill
Creating a Smokefree Future for Wales
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill marks a huge step forward for public health in Wales. It’s designed to protect our communities, especially our young people, from the harms of tobacco and unregulated vaping products. By making sure all tobacco and vape retailers are properly licensed, we’ll be better able to stop illegal sales, keep harmful products out of children’s hands, and create a healthier, safer Wales for everyone.
What's In The Bill?
The bill aims to create the first “smoke-free generation” by making it illegal for anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 to be sold tobacco products. This means that children who turn 15 this year or younger will never be legally able to buy tobacco. However, it won’t change anything for those who already smoke legally.
The bill aims to reduce the appeal of vapes to young people by introducing strict controls on flavours, packaging, and advertising displays. These rules will apply to all vapes, including non-nicotine vapes, as well as other nicotine products like nicotine pouches.
Trading Standards officers would be able to issue £200 fixed penalty fines on the spot for underage sales of tobacco and vape products in both England and Wales. This gives enforcement teams a quicker, more effective way to tackle illegal sales to minors.
New fixed penalty fines will cover a wider range of offences, strengthening enforcement and ensuring rules are followed across the board.
Sales of vapes to anyone under 18 will be restricted for both nicotine and non-nicotine vapes. Other nicotine products, like pouches, will also be restricted in the same way, helping to prevent young people from accessing potentially addictive products.
The bill introduces a ban on vape vending machines and oral tobacco products, which will reduce young people’s access to these products.
Welsh Ministers will have the power to expand current smoke-free zones to also include vaping and heated tobacco products. This could mean more vape-free spaces in public areas across Wales.
The bill introduces restrictions on the advertising and sponsorship of a wider range of products, including vapes and other nicotine products. This means less marketing aimed at young people and a more responsible approach to product visibility.
To sell tobacco, herbal smoking products, cigarette papers, vapes, or nicotine products, retailers in Wales will need a license. This retail licensing scheme aims to curb illegal sales, support responsible businesses, and make it easier to monitor where these products are sold.
Why Is It Important?
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is a landmark step in protecting young people and communities across Wales from the harmful effects of tobacco and unregulated nicotine products. By reducing access to these products, especially among young people, the bill supports the Welsh Government’s goal of creating a smoke-free Wales by 2030.
Our work with communities across Wales has shown strong support for measures like the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. By raising awareness, empowering people to report illegal sales, and advocating for robust legislation, we aim to create a healthier, safer environment for everyone.
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Access a collection of materials to help raise awareness and support the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in your community. These resources are designed to inform, educate, and empower individuals, businesses, and organisations to make a difference in creating a smoke-free Wales.
Download our collection of infographics to support and share vital information about the tobacco and vapes bill with your community.
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