📜 Tobacco and Vapes Bill (Seventh sitting)

Public Bill Committees

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The Tobacco and Vapes Bill session saw MPs debating and advancing clauses related to the free distribution and discounting of vaping products, aiming to curb youth access while supporting adults in quitting smoking through legal allowances for certain public health initiatives. There was strong support for a new licensing regime across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to regulate tobacco and vape sales, with discussions on how this could prevent unauthorized sales and provide better enforcement. MPs also considered setting up fees for licensing to cover local authority costs and ensure the rules are enforceable. The session was marked by operational challenges, like the premature closure of debate on a clause, highlighting the procedural intricacies of parliamentary sessions.

Summary

Here is a summary of the parliamentary session:

  • Clauses 15, 62, and 80 were discussed, focusing on prohibiting the free distribution and discount of tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products unless provided as part of arrangements by public health authorities. The aim is to reduce youth vaping and support tools like the national swap to stop program for smokers.

  • Jack Rankin (Conservative) opposed these clauses, supporting vaping companies linked with the NHS for smoking cessation but not the restrictions in their current form.

  • Dr. Caroline Johnson (Conservative) spoke in support of Clause 15, citing evidence of unethical marketing practices that encourage excessive consumption, especially among those who might not otherwise purchase these products.

  • Andrew Gwynne, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary, emphasized the government’s dual objectives:
    • Tackling youth vaping by restricting free or heavily discounted products.
    • Supporting adult smokers in quitting with vapes under regulated conditions.

  • Clause 16 introduces licensing requirements for the sale of tobacco products, aiming to regulate retail practices and enforce responsible sales.

  • Licensing Scheme Details:
    • Local authorities will be licensing bodies, with the ability to charge fees to cover administration and enforcement costs.
    • Regulations can include restrictions like limiting the number of licenses in certain areas or proximity to schools.
    • Non-compliance with license conditions can lead to fines up to £2,500 (level 4 on the standard scale), with adjustments for inflation.

  • Consistency in fines was mentioned, proposing fines across the Bill should be consistent and proportional to the offenses.

  • Welsh and Northern Irish Provisions: Similar measures with adjustments for devolved powers and existing legislation were made for Wales and Northern Ireland.

  • Discussion on Exceptions and Implementation: Concerns were raised about ensuring a smooth transition in licensing and fee structures, with the intention that licenses should not overly burden smaller establishments or create a disproportionate regulatory environment.

  • Schedule Adjustments: Existing Welsh tobacco and nicotine product registration requirements under the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017 will be repealed upon introduction of a new licensing regime.

  • Debate Cut Short: The session was interrupted when the chair accidentally moved past an unvoted on clause, ending the debate prematurely for clauses 24 to 27.

Divisiveness

The session reflected general agreement on the topics being discussed, with no notable indications of intense disagreement or conflict among the participants. Debates were conducted respectfully, and when differing points were raised, they were presented in a constructive manner. For example, discussions around licensing fees and their application showed divergence in opinions but lacked contentiousness. There were moments of humor and camaraderie, as seen in birthday wishes and light-hearted comments, further indicating a cooperative atmosphere. Therefore, the session displayed minimal disagreement, justifying the rating of 2.