🚭 Tobacco and Vapes Bill

• The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is a significant public health intervention, aiming to create the world’s first smokefree generation by stopping the sale of tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009.

• Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the UK, with around 80,000 deaths per year attributed to it. The Bill targets reducing these statistics by preventing new smokers.

• The legislation includes measures to restrict youth vaping, which has doubled in the past five years. Vapes will not be banned, but their appeal to children through advertising and flavors will be curtailed.

• New clauses and amendments strengthen the Bill by improving age verification methods, including the potential for digital ID to be used in verifying the age of customers purchasing tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products.

• The Bill expands smokefree zones to additional outdoor areas like schools, children’s playgrounds, and hospitals to protect individuals from secondhand smoke.

• It introduces new fixed penalty notices for retailers selling tobacco products to underage individuals, aiming to enforce the age restrictions more effectively.

• Efforts to combat the black market for tobacco and illegal vapes are included, focusing on enforcement and preventing the rise of illegal sales which could undermine the Bill’s objectives.

• A ban on disposable vapes is scheduled for June, with new powers to limit the design and puff count of reusable vapes to prevent exploitation of loopholes in the law.

• Environmental concerns are addressed through proposed bans on plastic cigarette filters, though the government opposes these, suggesting existing powers are sufficient for managing filter litter.

• The Bill has seen opposition, with some amendments proposing alterations to the age criteria from a generational ban to a universal 21 age limit, though these were not accepted.

• Overall, the Bill passed its Third Reading with significant support, moving forward to the other place for further consideration, aiming to drastically change the UK’s approach to smoking and vaping.

The session on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill displayed a moderate level of disagreement, which can be characterized as a rating of 3 on a scale of 1 to 5. Below is a detailed explanation of the factors considered in reaching this rating:

1. Primary Objective and Opposition: The core of the Bill aimed to create a smoke-free generation by phasing out the sale of tobacco products and restricting access to vaping products, primarily for the protection of future generations. Opposition to this aim was evident, with numerous amendments seeking to alter or undermine the smoke-free generation aspect. Notably, amendments like those by Sammy Wilson, Andrew Rosindell, Nigel Farage, and others aimed to weaken or remove the generational ban or adjust the age limits significantly. However, these amendments did not pass, indicating that the opposition, while significant, did not sway the majority’s support for the Bill’s primary objective.

2. Amendments and Counterarguments: Several amendments and new clauses were proposed, addressing various aspects of the Bill. New Clause 2 by Dame Caroline Dinenage, regarding the ban on plastic cigarette filters, was proposed out of environmental concern but rejected. Similarly, New Clause 19, by Dr. Caroline Johnson, aimed at increasing reporting on the illegal sale of tobacco and vaping products, did not pass. These illustrate disagreement on the specifics of implementation rather than on the principle of the Bill itself.

3. Diverse Perspectives: The session encapsulated a range of perspectives, from strong support for the Bill’s public health goals to concerns about its impact on black markets and personal freedoms. While there was a consensus on the need to combat smoking and reduce vaping among youth, there were differing opinions on the best strategies and potential unintended consequences of the Bill.

4. Examples of Disagreement:
   • Sir John Hayes argued against the ‘rolling age of consent’ for tobacco, calling it ‘nonsense’ and suggesting a fixed age limit of 21.
   • Nigel Farage criticized the Bill for promoting ‘moral superiority’ and warned of the potential expansion of the black market.
   • Dr. Caroline Johnson and others raised concerns about the black market but also supported certain aspects of the Bill aimed at public health.
   • Sammy Wilson highlighted enforcement challenges, particularly in distinguishing between adults close in age, and expressed concerns regarding the application of the Bill in Northern Ireland due to EU obligations.

5. Outcome of Divisions: Despite the debate and opposition, significant aspects of the Bill passed, including the addition of New Clause 11, which allows for digital age verification methods. The majority approved these changes, which underscores that while there was disagreement, it did not derail the Bill’s progress.

6. Collaborative Efforts and Compromise: The Minister highlighted cross-party collaboration and adjustments made based on discussions in the Public Bill Committee, indicating an attempt to address concerns and build consensus. Certain government amendments were made, reflecting a willingness to engage with and partially address some of the criticisms raised.

In conclusion, while there were clear divisions on certain amendments and the implementation details of the Bill, the primary objectives were supported by the majority, indicating a moderate level of disagreement overall.