UK to restrict e-cigarette advertising and packaging

According to Reuters on November 27, the British Parliament voted 415 to 47 on Tuesday (26th) to pass the Tobacco and Electronic Cigarettes Bill, paving the way for the next stage of parliament.

The bill includes a ban on e-cigarette advertising and the sale of e-cigarettes in vending machines, restrictions on e-cigarette packaging and flavors that are attractive to teenagers, such as bubble gum and cotton candy.

Labour Health Secretary Wes Streeting said,
“The number of children using e-cigarettes is growing at an alarming rate. If urgent intervention is not taken, we will usher in a generation of long-term addicted teenagers.”

Previously, the Conservative government announced similar measures to create the first smoke-free generation, but these plans failed to become law before the summer general election. Conservative shadow health secretary Caroline Johnson told parliament before the vote: “Whatever we think of this bill, it is bold legislation with good intentions. We are not sure whether it will work, but we all want it to work.”

The bill has also received some criticism, with Conservative MP Robert Jenrick saying on the X platform that he voted against it, saying “More education, less bans. No nanny state.”