Read articles from United Kingdom

December 17, 2025 by bbc.com

A study found that young men are driving the increasing popularity of nicotine pouches in the UK, with 7.5% of 16 to 24-year-old men using them compared to 1.9% of young women. Many users also smoke or vape, and some are using pouches to quit smoking. Nicotine pouch sales have significantly risen in recent years, particularly among young men due to aggressive marketing tactics. The pouches contain synthetic nicotine and are marketed in colorful tins. Researchers call for more research on their effectiveness in smoking cessation. The study surveyed 127,000 people from 2020 to 2025. Recommendations include banning sales to under 18s.

December 11, 2025 by jamesevans.wales

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, presented in November 2024, aims to regulate tobacco and vape products by restricting sales to individuals born after 1 January 2009, implementing licensing for retailers, and controlling advertising. The bill also covers smoke-free, vape-free, and heated tobacco-free areas. Additionally, the Welsh Parliament is involved in the legislative consent process for this bill, allowing Senedd Members to provide input.

December 09, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

The disposable vape ban, implemented six months ago, has not effectively reduced the availability of illicit products. Despite fewer shops selling banned devices, illegal vapes are still easily accessible. Compliance is mixed, with some retailers offering only legal products, while others sell banned vapes alongside upgrades. Concerns over enforcement persist, as some sellers disregard rules. Additionally, the improper disposal of vapes, including rechargeable models, is causing a rise in dangerous fires. Waste management companies report a surge in vape-related incidents, highlighting the ban's unintended consequences. The ban struggles to change behavior, with evidence indicating it may exacerbate issues instead of resolving them.

December 09, 2025 by thesun.co.uk

Five European countries believe the UK's smoking ban for youngsters breaches international law, risking penalties. The ban, proposed by Sir Keir Starmer, might violate EU law for Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework. The group warns of legal consequences, stressing the importance of compliance with the Single Market rules. Former Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland urges the UK government to address the conflict to avoid a constitutional crisis. Despite calls for closer EU ties post-Brexit, Starmer opposes joining the Customs Union. The UK affirms the Tobacco and Vapes Bill aligns with their obligations, aiming for a smoke-free generation.

December 04, 2025 by daily-pouch.com

ASH Scotland released a guide for midwives on addressing nicotine use during pregnancy, causing confusion rather than clarity. The guide implies medicinal nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is far safer than commercial products, despite both containing the same compound. Differences lie in purity, dose, and regulation, but evidence doesn't conclusively support medicinal NRT being "far safer." Caution is advised for pregnant individuals until further research clarifies the risks.

December 03, 2025 by talkingretail.com

The convenience store trade body reaffirms responsible retailing commitment to Wes Streeting regarding illegal high-strength nicotine pouches. Highlighting the lack of official guidance, SGF emphasizes the need for clear standards in the sale and promotion of nicotine pouches to prevent sales to minors. It suggests industry-government collaboration to develop guidelines, advocating age restrictions in line with the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. SGF plans to engage with ministers and officials to address the issue. The organization also shares concerns with the Scottish government. SGF stresses that clear guidelines should ensure nicotine pouches are only sold to adults and not marketed to children. Reports of illegal high-strength products with over 100mg of nicotine raise further concerns.

November 28, 2025 by conveniencestore.co.uk

ECigone opposes the Vaping Products Duty (VPD) taxing zero-nicotine vapes, arguing it hinders smoking cessation efforts. Set to start on October 1, 2026, the £2.20 per 10mls tax will apply regardless of nicotine content. Founder Shane Margereson believes taxing all vapes equally discourages smokers from decreasing nicotine levels and manufacturers from producing zero-nicotine options, slowing harm reduction and quitting progress. Requesting policymakers to exempt 0mg vapes from taxation, he emphasizes the need for strategic regulation that supports smoking cessation. Margereson suggests a minor adjustment in tax policy could greatly benefit public health.

November 25, 2025 by thecooldown.com

The U.K. ban on disposable vapes has led to a surge in illegal sales, with 63% of users still buying them easily. The black market trade poses challenges for regulation, as these devices are harmful to health and the environment. Concerns include plastic pollution, toxic residues, and fire hazards from lithium batteries. Authorities are cracking down on black market sellers, but more robust enforcement and education are needed to address these risks. Users can help by recycling properly, choosing refillable options, and advocating for stricter oversight.

November 24, 2025 by thesun.co.uk

Annual tobacco tax hikes are set to continue, potentially raising the price of a 20-pack of cigarettes to £17.66. The government aims to discourage smoking through these increases. The cost of rolling tobacco is also expected to rise significantly. Despite price hikes over the years, smoking rates in the UK have declined due to increased awareness of health risks, with a target to become "smoke free" by 2030. Concerns exist over these tax hikes disproportionately affecting low-income smokers and potentially fueling illicit trade. Additionally, new taxes on vaping products may hinder smoking cessation efforts. The Budget may also include tax increases for bookies and the elimination of a fuel duty cut.

November 18, 2025 by talkingretail.com

The UK experiences a decline in smoking, particularly in combustible products like cigarettes and rolling tobacco, with sales down 36%. Vape liquids are seeing growth, but value sales in convenience stores have decreased by 25%. Nicotine pouches are gaining popularity as smokers switch to alternatives, with convenience stores leading sales. Sales of disposable vapes have been banned, leading to an increase in reusable vapes causing disposal issues. Cigars and cigarillos are growing, with cigarillos dominating the market. The proposed generational ban on tobacco sales is predicted to increase illicit trade. Retailers are advised to diversify product offerings to meet consumer preferences.