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Study finds plain vape packaging could cut youth appeal without deterring adults
New research led by teams at UCL and King’s College London finds that plain packaging for e-cigarettes significantly reduces their appeal to children while having little effect on adult smokers’ interest. The study, involving 2,770 children aged 11 to 18, and just under 4,000 adults, found that colourful branding and creative flavour names strongly attract younger audiences, whereas standardised designs lessen that impact. 53% of young people said their peers would be interested in trying vapes in their normal packaging, dropping to 38% in standardised packs with usual flavour descriptions. Hazel Cheeseman of Action on Smoking and Health said the findings show how regulation could protect children without undermining the role of vaping in smoking cessation, urging Parliament to advance the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to enable stricter controls.
Source: ITV News, 22 September 2025
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Communities to gain power over high street shops, including vape shops
The government is preparing to introduce new planning rules that will allow residents to block certain types of shops, such as vape outlets, betting shops and confectionery stores, from opening in their areas. The reforms, led by Communities Secretary Steve Reed, are part of a wider effort to devolve decision-making to local people and revive struggling town centres.
Source: The Telegraph, 20 September 2025
See also: The Guardian – Ministers could give mayors control of schools and hospitals in devolution shake-up
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Trial smoking ban to begin on Pevensey Bay beach
A trial scheme will shortly introduce a voluntary restriction on smoking at Pevensey Bay beach in East Sussex, joining similar efforts already underway nearby. The initiative supports the government’s ambition to cut smoking rates to below 5% of the population and is targeted at both health and environmental benefits. Darrell Gale, the county’s Director of Public Health, said the aim was to “reduce the normalisation of smoking” while also protecting marine life, as discarded cigarette ends leach harmful chemicals into the sea.
Source: BBC News, 20 September 2025
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Chancellor criticised over gambling industry event amid tax review
Rachel Reeves is facing pressure to withdraw from a private reception hosted by gambling lobbyist Michael Dugher at the upcoming Labour conference, as the Treasury considers whether to increase duties on the sector. Former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith argued her attendance casts doubt on her impartiality, while Liberal Democrat MPs including Daisy Cooper MP warned she must prioritise taxpayers over gambling firms and commit to higher levies to support public services. Reeves has previously accepted hospitality and donations linked to the industry. Dugher, a long-time friend of the chancellor, is both chair of the Betting & Gaming Council and a senior adviser at the event’s organiser, Brunswick.
Source: The Guardian, 20 September 2025
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EU plans health review of new nicotine products as Philip Morris seeks role
The European Commission is preparing its first evaluation of the health impact of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco and similar products. The Commission said that the research will be funded solely through EU budgets in line with guidelines in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Philip Morris International has stated it would back such research if conducted by an external body it considers credible, though it did not specify who that might be. Health groups have urged member states to tighten regulation, as the Commission also considers higher taxes on traditional and alternative tobacco products, with some revenues earmarked for the EU budget.
Source: Euractiv, 19 September 2025
See also: Tobacco Tactics – Philip Morris International
Editorial note: This article has been included to provide insight into industry developments.
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FDA trial relaxes review process for nicotine pouches
The US Food and Drug Administration has launched a pilot that will ease the approval process for nicotine pouches by reducing the need for brand-specific studies, instead drawing on broader scientific evidence. The change is expected to benefit producers such as Philip Morris, Altria and British American Tobacco, whose products have faced lengthy or rejected applications under previous rules. The move shows signs of a less rigorous stance on smoking alternatives under the Trump administration. FDA officials have argued pouches are generally less harmful than other nicotine products and have not driven major youth uptake, though former regulators from the Centre for Tobacco Products warn individual testing remains vital to assess health outcomes and prevent discreet use by younger consumers.
Source: Reuters, 21 September 2025
See also: ASH – Nicotine Pouches
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Dutch Finance Ministry report argues tobacco tax rises bring no extra revenue
The Dutch Finance Ministry has argued in a Ministry of Finance report that further increases in cigarette duties no longer boost state income, due to cross border purchasing and falling smoking prevalence. Annual receipts from tobacco are expected to remain steady at €2.5 billion. While the revenue effect has plateaued, health authorities report a notable share of smokers have either quit or cut back due to the price hikes.
Source: NL Times, 22 September 2025
Editorial note: The EU is currently reviewing the EU Tobacco Tax Directive to reduce the disparity in tobacco taxation between Member States. This should help to improve the impact of tax increases on quitting behaviour and reduce the incentive for cross-border purchasing.
The main purpose of tobacco taxes is to reduce tobacco consumption, rather than raise revenue. Tobacco taxes are considered the single most effective way to reduce smoking rates according to the World Bank and WHO. In the UK, tobacco taxes – combined with a comprehensive anti-smuggling strategy – have been highly effective at reducing both smoking prevalence and the illicit trade in tobacco. According to HMRC, the number of illicit cigarettes consumed in the UK has fallen by almost 90% since the turn of the century, while the price of an average pack of cigarettes has more than tripled.
See also: https://ash.org.uk/media-centre/news/blog/from-smuggling-to-spin-how-tobacco-giants-hijacked-the-illicit-trade-debate
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ASH Daily News is a digest of published news on smoking-related topics. ASH is not responsible for the content of external websites. ASH does not necessarily endorse the material contained in this bulletin.
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