The Scottish Coalition on Tobacco (SCOT), of which REHIS is a member, has welcomed the UK Government’s landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which received Royal Assent yesterday (Wednesday 29 April 2026) following its introduction on 5 November 2024 through a four-nations approach.
The new law will make it illegal, from 1 January 2027, to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. It also introduces a range of significant public health measures, including a ban on the sale of nicotine pouches to under-18s and restrictions on the advertising and sponsorship of vapes and other recreational nicotine products.
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland and Chair of SCOT, said: “With tobacco continuing to be the biggest preventable killer of people in Scotland, causing nearly 9,000 deaths each year, we are delighted that strong measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Act will become reality as they can be truly transformative and must be implemented without delay.
“Everyone should have the right to breathe clean air, and this is a significant step towards eradicating the damage being inflicted by profit-centred multi-national corporations on people’s lives, especially in our poorest communities, and tackling the advertising and promotions of addictive, heath harming recreational nicotine products such as vapes and nicotine pouches.”
The Environmental Health profession have long advocated for stronger tobacco and nicotine controls as a key means of improving public health and reducing health inequalities. Through their work in regulation, enforcement and education, they play a vital role in protecting the public from the harms associated with tobacco use and emerging nicotine products. These new measures represent an important step forward in supporting healthier communities and preventing future generations from becoming addicted to tobacco and nicotine.
For more information read here: Scottish Coalition On Tobacco celebrates strong public health promoting measures becoming law – ASH Scotland
Scottish Coalition on Tobacco (SCOT) current members:
ASH Scotland, Asthma and Lung UK, British Heart Foundation, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, Royal College of Psychiatrists, British Medical Association, Royal College of Surgeons, Community Pharmacy Scotland, Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS), CRUK, Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), NCD Alliance Scotland, SANDS, Pancreatic Cancer Action, Scottish Centre for Social Research (ScotCen), Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH)
30.04.26
