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Smoking in United Kingdom

The overall smoking prevalence in the United Kingdom has reduced significantly since 2011. 12.9% of the adult population in the United Kingdom are current smokers, down from 20.2% in 2011. This means there are now approximately 6.4 million smokers in the country. 14.6% of men smoke, whilst 11.2% of women are current smokers. The most recent data show there were 114,513 annual deaths attributable to tobacco smoking (approximately 51,700 women and 62,800 men). The annual percentage of all deaths attributable to tobacco smoking was 18.87% (women: 16.9%; and men: 20.5%). Nicotine vapes (e-cigarettes) are legal in the United Kingdom and there are 3.6 million vapers in the country, giving an adult vaping prevalence of 6.4% (women: 5.6%; and men: 7.2%). There is a requirement to ensure vape packaging contains a health warning, there are no restrictions on the range of flavours available and they can only be sold to those 18 and older. Vaping devices can be purchased without a prescription and there are no legal restrictions on their use in public places. Heated tobacco products (HTP) are allowed to be used and can be marketed, but the situation is more complicated for snus. While it is illegal to import snus for trade or buy the product online, it is possible to import it for personal use. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products can be marketed and are available to buy in many general shops without a prescription. The NRT market in the United Kingdom is worth €165.4 million. For further information and full references, click through to the detailed datasheets above.

Read articles from United Kingdom

July 23, 2024 by abc.net.au

“Excessively High” Cigarette Taxes “Fuelling” Black Market, as Retailers Fear Expansion of Tobacco Wars

In New South Wales, the rise in tobacco retailers and illegal cigarette sales is harming legitimate businesses. With lax regulations and minimal fines, the black market thrives, causing revenue losses and increased competition.

July 22, 2024 by youtube.com

UK Smoking Ban: How New Law Will Work and Who Will Be Affected

UK Times explores the new UK smoking ban in today’s video. It details how the law will be implemented, who it will affect, and its potential impacts on various groups.

July 22, 2024 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

Adult Smoking and Vaping Trends

A new paper led by Harry Tattan Birch, University College London, has looked into what has happened to trends in adult smoking and vaping prevalence in England since disposable vapes started to become popular. According to Dr Sarah Jackson, the short answer is that it is complicated.

July 22, 2024 by filtermag.org

Advocates Urge Rethink as UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill Returns

The UK's Labour government reintroduced the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, aiming to ban cigarette purchases for those born after 2008. Originally proposed by the Conservative Party, the bill faces criticism from tobacco harm reduction supporters and politicians. It includes regulations on vape flavors and packaging, raising concerns about impacting smokers' ability to switch. Advocate Clive Bates opposes the bill, suggesting it may harm older, low-income smokers. The New Nicotine Alliance opposes flavor bans, urging a more pragmatic approach to vaping regulation. Concerns over restricting access to safer nicotine products and the possible increase in smoking due to flavor bans persist. Bates advises consumers to advocate for their interests amid populist policy decisions.

July 22, 2024 by filtermag.org

Advocates Urge Rethink as UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill Returns

The UK's Labour government has reintroduced the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, initially proposed by the Conservatives, to prohibit cigarette sales to those born after 2008. Criticized for its impact on harm reduction, the bill also regulates vape products. Critics fear bans on vape flavors and disposable vapes. Advocates argue against restricting vaping, essential for (...)

July 18, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill included in Kings Speech

The UK Government, led by Keir Starmer, plans to implement a generational smoking ban and stricter regulations on vapes and nicotine products. The Tobacco and Vapes bill, part of the King's Speech, aims to raise the legal age for cigarette purchases, control vape sales, and regulate product features. Initially proposed by the Conservatives but delayed, this legislative agenda now pursued by Labour Health Secretary Wes Streeting aligns with public health groups advocating for informed consumer choices. Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty supports the bill, emphasizing the health benefits of a smoke-free nation.

July 18, 2024 by news-medical.net

Sharp rise in long-term vaping among adults in England, study finds

The long-term vaping trend in England has significantly risen since 2021, with one in ten adults reporting vaping for over six months by 2023, especially among young individuals. The increase is associated with the popularity of disposable e-cigarettes. Usage grew among both smokers and non-smokers, with men initially vaping more than women. The shift towards disposable devices raises concerns about the environment. Observational study results suggest regulations are needed to curb youth vaping, without discouraging smokers from using e-cigarettes to quit. Prohibiting disposable vapes might not greatly impact vaping rates, but addressing their appeal through marketing restrictions could promote vaping as a smoking cessation aid.

July 16, 2024 by nnalliance.org

NNA writes to Labour Health Secretary

The New Nicotine Alliance represents current and future consumers of low-risk alternatives to cigarettes, such as vaping products, nicotine pouches, and smokeless and heated tobacco. We have no relevant conflicts of interest. As representatives of the stakeholders with the most at stake, we wish to offer some advice on approaching the issue of tobacco and vaping.

July 11, 2024 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

1400 Voices Demand Flavour Ban

ASH urges the Labour government to prioritize reintroducing the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to reduce smoking's impact on health inequality and productivity. Over 1400 health experts support the initiative to end smoking, highlighting the economic and health benefits. The Bill aims to restrict tobacco sales to those born after 2009, limit vape access to children, and close regulatory gaps for nicotine products, promoting a smoke-free UK. Experts emphasize the urgency of implementing regulations against marketing vapes to minors while supporting adult smokers. The initiative aligns with Labour's commitment to public health and could lead the UK in reducing smoking-related harm globally.

July 10, 2024 by mirror.co.uk

Experts warn parents as social media could be teaching kids how to hide vapes

Vaping among children is on the rise despite being illegal, with kids using TikTok tactics to conceal e-cigarettes. Hospital admissions related to vaping in children are increasing, with concerns over online hacks aiding vape hiding. A recent report showed a three-fold increase in children vaping in the UK over three years. Prof. Grigg warns that vaping can lead to tobacco smoking and criticizes the government's lax regulations. Online vape sellers reveal popular hiding spots, including clothing, canvases, pillows, and stuffed toys. Parents are advised to discuss vaping cautiously with their kids to foster communication and awareness, supporting good decision-making instead of resorting to confrontational tactics.