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Electronic Cigarettes: Retail Trade

Asked by Kevin HollinrakeConservativeDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 16 June 2025UIN 58016

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to bring forward regulation on vaping stores in (a) high streets and (b) town centres.

Answered by Ashley Dalton

It is crucial that we reduce the visibility and accessibility of vapes to protect children from getting hooked on nicotine. That is why the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will ban the advertising and sponsorship of vaping and nicotine products and will provide powers to introduce future regulations on where and how vapes and other nicotine products can be displayed within shops. Analysis and consultation will take place before any specific restrictions are introduced to ensure we are bringing about the most impactful change possible.

The bill will also provide powers for ministers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to introduce a licensing scheme for the retail sale of tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products. Introducing a licensing scheme will strengthen enforcement, acting as a deterrent to rogue retailers who breach the law, while supporting legitimate businesses. The scheme will be subject to consultation before regulations are introduced.

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