England's proposed anti-vaping policy casually tramples over basic rights
May 11, 2026 by substack.com
England's proposed anti-vaping policy casually tramples over basic rights
I responded to the Department of Health and Social Care consultation on Smoke-free, heated tobacco-free and vape-free places in England (closed 8 May 2026).
The short version is that the Department has failed to make a credible case for central government intervention through legislation. The government ignored the superior alternative option of letting the owners and managers of properties, including local authorities, and education and healthcare providers, decide policy based on their specific and evolving circumstances. The key policy question is not what the policy should be in any particular place, but who should decide.
11.80% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 6.7 million current smokers in United Kingdom 13.60% of men are current smokers but only 10.10% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
