Tobacco and Vapes Bill: how should the UK regulate vaping?

What this decision is about

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is moving through Parliament and would reshape how the UK regulates tobacco, vapes and other nicotine products. The Bill’s long title includes a “smoke-free generation” measure (prohibiting tobacco sales to people born on or after 1 January 2009), plus new powers on retail licensing/registration, advertising and promotion controls, and rules for smoke-free, vape-free and heated tobacco-free places.

At the same time, the Government is consulting on where new smoke-free, heated tobacco-free and vape-free rules should apply in England — especially in outdoor places used by children or medically vulnerable people. In parallel, HMRC has set out the design for a new Vaping Products Duty (VPD) due to start on 1 October 2026, using a flat rate rather than a previously consulted tiered-rate approach.

Why people disagree

Supporters say the Tobacco and Vapes Bill can reduce youth uptake and protect people from secondhand smoke and vapour in key settings. Critics in Parliament have warned that many practical effects will be set later through secondary legislation (for example on vape descriptors, flavours, advertising restrictions and vape-free zones). They argue rules should be evidence-based, avoid unnecessary burdens on small retailers and hospitality, and avoid making smoking cessation harder for former smokers who rely on vaping products. They also raise the risk of unintended consequences such as growth in the illicit tobacco market.

What this proposal asks you to vote on

• Bill approach: Should the UK proceed with the Bill’s framework as drafted, or tighten how key vaping rules are decided?
• Smoke/vape-free places: Which outdoor places in England should be included (and what should stay exempt)?
• Vaping Products Duty design: Should the duty remain a flat rate, or return to a tiered structure by nicotine strength?

What you can do

Vote, comment with evidence, and suggest improvements that keep the Tobacco and Vapes Bill effective, workable for retailers and services, and aligned with public health goals.