The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which returns to the Commons this week, proposes banning the sale of cigs to anyone born after 2009 – to gradually end the sale of the products across the country
Big tobacco firms are using an “old playbook” in resisting a landmark Bill aimed at creating a smoke-free generation, campaigners claim today.
They are responsible for well over a dozen responses to calls for evidence over the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, according to new research. The Bill proposes banning the sale of cigs to anyone born after 2009 to gradually end the sale of the products across the country. It also contains measures to ban vapes from being deliberately branded to appeal to kids.
And it could extend smoking ban powers to some outside spaces in England including children’s playgrounds and outside schools.The legislation is expected to return to the Commons for its final stages on Wednesday.
But according to new research by the University of Bath and the Tobacco Control Research Group (TCRG) 43 documents were submitted to a government consultation and Committee evidence request by tobacco and nicotine industries.
It said almost half of the submissions – 42% – came directly from major transnational tobacco companies – or organisations with links to them. They added opposition to the generational ban on smoking claiming it lacked evidence, would harm retailers, and fuel sales on the black market.
Dr Britta Matthes from TCRG and the Department for Health at the University of Bath, said: “Big Tobacco continues to rely on the same old playbook to undermine public health policies. Policymakers must recognise these tactics and ensure industry influence doesn’t weaken vital regulations.”
Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive from ASH (Action on Smoking Health) added: “The tobacco industry has a tired playbook of worn arguments that they have wheeled out to counter every proposed regulation to reduce smoking in the last 50 years.Very little of their hyperbolic claims have been born out in the past nor are they likely to be in the future.”
A Department of Health and Social Care spokeswoman said: “Smoking is the number one preventable cause of death, disability and ill health, claiming the lives of around 80,000 people a year in the UK.
“The landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill will create the first smoke-free generation, ending the cycle of addiction and disadvantage and put us on track to a smoke-free UK.
“To support the Bill, this weekend we announced a new £10 million boost for Trading Standards to help stop underage sales and stop harmful tobacco and vape products finding their way into neighbourhood shop. We’re taking concrete action needed to deliver our Plan for Change and bring us one step closer to a healthier, smoke-free future.”
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