Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

Trading Standards professionals voice support for generational tobacco ban

Trading Standards professionals voice support for generational tobacco ban

New research from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has indicated that Trading Standards officers overwhelmingly support the proposed smokefree generation policy.

A survey of local authority Trading Standards professionals has found that 80 per cent of respondents support the government’s plan to stamp out smoking in a generation, the CTSI said.


The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is being laid today, aims to prohibit the sale of tobacco to people born after 1 January 2009, effectively ensuring they will not legally have access to tobacco in their lifetime. There would be an annual increase in the legal age of sale by one year every year from 2027 which will prevent the next generation from becoming addicted to tobacco.

“Effective enforcement of age restrictions will be pivotal to the success of the government’s proposal, and the responsibility falls on Trading Standards to enforce these. There is resounding support from the profession for the proposed smokefree generation policy who, as the boots on the ground, will have to ensure it is effectively implemented,” John Herriman, CTSI chief executive, said.

“The eradication of smoking in the next generation will be an incredibly positive change to public health with smoking being the UK’s most preventable killer. Enforcing the new age restriction will present its own new challenges, but trading standards welcomes the increased protections it will provide.”

Under the proposed legislation, there will also be new powers to change how vapes are displayed in shops, restrict vape flavours and packaging intentionally marketed at children to combat the rise in youth vaping.

CTSI lead officer for vaping, Kate Pike, said: “It is great news that Trading Standards officers so strongly support the proposal to phase out smoking. We look forward to helping retailers introduce the changes and as always, we will take action against the minority who flout the law. We welcome this opportunity to help protect our communities from the harms of tobacco.”

More for you

David Murray promoted as pladis CMO, Mete Buyurgan takes UK & Ireland helm

Mete Buyurgan (L) and David Murray

David Murray named pladis CMO

Snacking giant pladis has announced David Murray, currently leader of its UK and Ireland enterprise, will transition to the newly created position of global chief commercial officer.

After five years at the helm of pladis UK&I, Murray’s new role will see him take ownership of the company’s global platform and brand strategy along with its commercial transformation.

Keep ReadingShow less
Illegal cigarettes in Meir

Illegal cigarettes

iStock

Thousands of illegal cigarettes seized from Meir shop raids

More than £20,000 worth of illicit tobacco and vapes were seized from multiple premises in an one-day operation in Meir by Trading Standards team along with officers from Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire Police.

The operation is the latest across the city that resulted in 13 shops being closed in the last 12 months, and forms part of Operation Cece, which is a National Trading Standards initiative in Partnership with HMRC to tackle illegal tobacco.

Keep ReadingShow less
​Don Julio Tequila

Don Julio Tequila, owned by Diageo. The spirits giant sells billions of dollars worth of tequila and Canadian whisky in the US.

Photo by Anna Webber/Getty Images for Flipper's Boogie Palace

Diageo suggests tougher rules of origin requirements as alternative to Trump’s tariffs

Spirits giant Diageo has suggested the US government consider tougher rules of origin requirements in trade agreements as an alternative to tariffs, a letter to the US Trade Representative showed.

In the March 11 letter, Diageo, the world's top spirits maker caught in the crossfire of US president Donald Trump's effort to remake global trade, argued that new rules of origin could support his aims and benefit the industry.

Keep ReadingShow less
Asda store with Rollback pricing sign for 2024 sales strategy

Asda Express stores offset sales dip at the supermarket

Asda's profits climb despite sales decline, driven by George and Express

Asda on Friday reported a decline in its annual sales for the 2024 financial year, but the retailer has seen profits rising on margin gains.

The supermarket chain said its total revenue for the year to 31 December 2024 declined by 0.8 per cent to £21.7 billion, while like-for-like sales (excluding fuel) were lower by 3.4 per cent.

Keep ReadingShow less
Strategic Ranging of Premium Apple Cider Essential for 2025 Sales

Henry Westons Vintage 500ml is the number one cider SKU in the convenience channel

Crafted cider surge: Retailers urged to embrace premiumisation for sales boost

The unstoppable rise of crafted apple cider is setting the benchmark for success in the UK’s £1.1 billion off-trade cider market, according to the latest Westons Cider Report.

The leading cider producer advises that convenience retailers who prioritise premium products and strategic ranging will be best placed to drive sales in 2025.

Keep ReadingShow less