Understanding the Tobacco and Vapes Bill

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 Are The Plans?

Raise Legal Age

Raise the legal age for tobacco sales to create a smoke-free generation, starting with anyone born on or after January 1, 2009.

Vape Regulation

Limit vape flavours, packaging, and displays to reduce their appeal to children.

Retailer Licensing Scheme

Implement a mandatory licensing system for tobacco and vape retailers in Wales to curb illegal sales and enforce age restrictions effectively.

Ban Single-use Vapes

Ban the sale of single-use vapes from June 2025, addressing both environmental waste and health risks associated with disposable vaping products.

Report Illegal Sales

Help protect your community by reporting illegal tobacco and vape sales. Every report helps remove dangerous products from circulation and stops illegal sellers. Let’s protect Wales for future generations—See it? Report it. No Ifs, No Butts.

Report Illegal Sales Anonymously

Why Is a Retail Register Important?

Prevent Youth Addiction

By ensuring all tobacco and vape sellers are licensed, we can prevent illegal products from reaching young people and cut down on youth nicotine addiction.

Tackle Illegal Sales

Illegal tobacco sales fund criminal activities that harm our communities. A retail register helps enforcement teams target rogue sellers, reducing the flow of these dangerous products.

Support Businesses:

Legitimate retailers play an essential role in our communities. A register protects their interests by creating a level playing field and making it clear that illegal operators are not welcome in Wales.

Key Stats

10% of the Tobacco Market in Wales is Illegal

An estimated 88,000 people buy illegal tobacco in Wales each year, undermining efforts to reduce smoking rates.

39% of Illegal Tobacco is Sold from Private Addresses

Illegal sales thrive in unmonitored spaces, often away from the public eye, making a retail register essential for tracking and enforcement.

85% Public Support for a Retail Register

The people of Wales overwhelmingly support a retail register to combat illegal tobacco and safeguard our communities.

How You Can Support

Report Illegal Sales: If you observe any illegal tobacco or vape sales in your community, please report them anonymously through our No Ifs, No Butts campaign. Your reports empower Trading Standards to take action against rogue sellers.

Spread the Word: Help us raise awareness about the importance of a tobacco retail register and the need for stricter regulations on vaping products aimed at protecting our youth.

Stay Informed: Follow ASH Wales for ongoing updates on the progress of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill and discover new ways to contribute to a smoke-free Wales.