With the Tobacco and Vapes Bill entering its final stages in Parliament, and and the nationwide ban on disposable vapes coming effective from Sunday (June 1), Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) has claimed that there is an overwhelming public support for a tough action on tobacco trade.
ASH claims that two-thirds of the public (68 per cent) back the ‘Smokefree Generation’ policy, the centre piece of the new Bill, which would ban the sale of tobacco to anyone born after 2009.
Even among smokers, more than half (52 per cent) support the move. ASH also states that a whopping 65 per cent of people in England want to live in a country where no one smokes, while nearly half believe the Government isn’t doing enough to tackle smoking.
ASH also states that 86 per cent support tobacco retail licensing, while three in four want a Big Tobacco levy to fund quitting services and youth prevention.
The results also show a major shift in smokers’ attitudes, claims ASH, with increasing awareness of the harm smoking causes and growing calls for tougher rules and better enforcement. Among the 39 per cent of smokers who plan to stop smoking, 48 per cent support the goal of a smokefree society.
Do people want more smokefree spaces in the UK?
ASH survey shows that nearly six in ten (59 per cent) support banning smoking in outdoor areas of pubs, cafés, and restaurants – with many viewing it as a positive change.
In fact, 40 per cent say they’d be more likely to visit these venues if smoking were banned outside, more than double the number (19 per cent) who say they’d go less often, debunking the idea that smokefree means customer-free.
Support for further smokefree spaces also remains strong:
- 91 per cent want smoking banned in school grounds and playgrounds
- 79 per cent in hospital grounds
- 77 per cent in public transport waiting areas
- 60 per cent on beaches
- 56 per cent in parks
Ahead of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill becoming law, the Government has already taken steps to ban disposable vapes, due to concerns about their environmental impact and their use among children. The ban will come into force on Sunday (June 1) meaning it will be illegal to sell vapes that can’t be recharged and refilled.
The public also backs the more comprehensive, tougher regulations needed to protect children from vaping as 78 per cent support banning sweet flavours, cartoon characters, and bright packaging.
Furthermore, 68 per cent want warnings printed directly on cigarette sticks.
What are MPs are saying?
Bob Blackman MP co-chair of the APPG on Smoking and Health said, “This isn’t about a nanny state, it’s about a public mandate. People from all walks of life want action.
"They’re not just asking for a Bill, they’re calling for a movement toward a smokefree future and parliament must now match the public’s urgency. Every day we delay, 200 lives are lost and this cannot be ignored.”
Mary Foy MP, co-chair of the APPG on Smoking and Health said, “The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is a crucial milestone – especially in protecting future generations.
"We need bold, continued action: preventing uptake, helping smokers quit, and reducing harm. This report clearly shows the public is not only on board, they’re eager for more Government leadership to make it happen.”
