Government to license all vape and tobacco sellers
Shops across England could soon be required to hold licences to sell vapes, tobacco and nicotine products under new government plans to protect children and clean up high streets.
The Department of Health and Social Care has launched a call for evidence seeking expert views on how a retail licensing system should work, as part of a sweeping crackdown on rogue traders selling illicit vapes to children.
Closing loopholes in the law
At present, any business can sell tobacco or vaping products without a licence — a loophole ministers say has fuelled the rise of brightly packaged, flavoured vapes being marketed towards young people.
Under the new proposals, only licensed retailers would be allowed to sell such products, with those caught breaking the rules facing unlimited fines or on-the-spot penalties of up to £2,500.
Health Minister Stephen Kinnock said: “We aim to close a major gap in the law by making it necessary for shops to hold a licence to sell tobacco, vapes and nicotine products. Our proposals will protect children, root out rogue traders and help adults know which shops are selling legitimate products.”
Tackling youth vaping
The call for evidence also asks experts to advise on restricting flavours, nicotine strength and packaging, amid growing concern about the sharp rise in youth vaping. Researchers at King’s College London and UCL found that plain packaging could reduce the appeal of vapes among children without discouraging adult smokers trying to quit.
Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), said: “The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is a world-leading piece of legislation. Ensuring the regulations are shaped by the best available evidence is vital to make sure it has the impact we all want – protecting children from vaping while supporting adults to quit smoking.”
Part of wider reforms
The measures form part of the government’s forthcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will create a smoke-free generation by banning tobacco sales to anyone born after 1 January 2009.
Further consultations next year will consider smoke-free and vape-free zones, display rules in shops, and tighter controls on packaging and advertising.
Kinnock added: “We are building a future where children grow up free from the harms of smoking and addiction – and where legitimate businesses, not lawbreakers, shape the future of our high streets.”
