Action on Smoking and Health has welcomed the new restrictions that have come into effect in the UK, raising the minimum age for purchasing all nicotine products to 18 and banning the distribution of free samples.
The anti-smoking organization Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) has welcomed the new nicotine and vape regulations that have come into force under the Tobacco and Vapes Act. The legislation prohibits the sale of e-cigarettes, nicotine-free vape devices, and nicotine pouches to those under 18, and makes it a punishable offense for an adult to attempt to purchase such products on behalf of a minor. Additionally, the distribution of free samples in public places has been restricted.
According to ASH data, 3.2 percent of young people aged 11–17 in the UK (approximately 180,000 children) have tried nicotine pouches, and awareness of them rose from 38 percent to 48 percent between 2024 and 2026. Among adults aged 18–34, the rate of regular users has more than doubled, increasing from 1.2 percent to 3.0 percent since 2023, while for those over 55, this rate is only 0.3 percent.
According to the organization’s leader, the new restrictions protect children from targeted marketing while emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance, as these alternatives are less harmful than smoking. Cancer Research UK also expressed its support for the move and urged strict enforcement of the rules in order to achieve a smoke-free generation.
In Brief
- Under the Tobacco and Vapes Act, it is a criminal offense to sell vape products and nicotine pouches to those under 18.
- Adults may not purchase nicotine-containing or zero-nicotine products on behalf of minors.
- Free product distribution at festivals, shopping malls, and stations is being discontinued.
- According to ASH, 3.2 percent of British youth aged 11–17 have already tried nicotine pouches.
Source: Planet of The Vapes (planetofthevapes.co.uk)
This summary was created by artificial intelligence based on the original article.