UK Flavored Vape Ban Likely to Become Law

Proposals to ban disposable vapes and gradually phase out the sale of tobacco to people of all ages in the UK are likely to become law soon. Only a few Conservative MPs have objected to the plans, so they are expected to pass with little opposition.

Both measures will be voted on in parliament, Downing Street confirmed. While Conservative MPs will be given a non-whipped free vote on the smoking ban, it remains to be decided whether this will also happen for vaping products.

The ban on disposable vapes, along with action to combat the sale of some child-friendly, fruit-flavored varieties and restrictions on packaging and in-shop displays, would come into force late this year or in early 2025 via a mixture of a bill and secondary legislation, according to media reports.

The already announced ban on selling tobacco products to anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 2009 will also be introduced as a law, potentially in the same bill as that connected to vaping.

Although Labour is likely to back both measures, meaning they are guaranteed to pass, Sunak might have expected a significant pushback from libertarian-minded Tory MPs. However, only Liz Truss publicly denounced the plans, calling the date-based tobacco ban “profoundly unconservative” and an extension of the “nanny state.”