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Two retailers urge focus on illicit vape trade rather than plain packaging
Two retailers have argued against introducing plain packaging for vaping products, saying it will not effectively address youth vaping. They state that many young people obtain vapes through illegal channels, and that stronger enforcement against illicit sales should be prioritised.
One retailer advocates for a unified licensing system covering alcohol, tobacco, and vaping products to help control the market and support legitimate businesses. Concerns were also raised about unregulated online and informal sellers supplying vapes to minors.
Source: Convenience Store, 23 September 2025
Editorial note: The 2025 ASH Smokefree GB Youth Survey on vaping among 11–17-year-olds in Great Britain found that the majority of young people who purchase vapes do so from shops (46%), followed by buying from friends/informal sources (25%), and online (10%).
See also: Taylor E, East K, Purba AK, Brose LS, Dockrell M, McNeill A, et al. The effect of standardised packaging and limited flavour descriptors of vape pods among adults and youth in Great Britain: a cross-sectional between-subjects experimental study. Lancet Reg Health Eur. 2024;58:101442.
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Alcohol industry ramps up lobbying to oppose tougher health regulations
Leading alcohol producers and industry groups worldwide have stepped up efforts to influence governments ahead of a United Nations agreement focused on tackling non-communicable diseases linked to alcohol consumption. Key players in the alcohol industry have lobbied to dilute or remove proposals for stricter controls such as increasing taxes, restricting alcohol availability, and limiting advertising.
The industry challenges the World Health Organization’s position that no level of alcohol consumption is risk-free, promoting the view that moderate drinking carries low risk. In addition to intensifying lobbying efforts, members of the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD), including leading brewers and spirit makers, have increased funding to the organisation to enable it to play a more active role in science debates and counter public health messaging.
Several measures including tax increases and restrictions on alcohol advertising were weakened or removed from the latest draft of the UN health agreement following lobbying by industry.
Source: Reuters, 24 September 2025
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Republic of Ireland: HSE unable to support vape users seeking help to quit due to lack of resources
Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) has confirmed it currently lacks both the funding and capacity to offer dedicated services for people trying to quit vaping. Despite a growing number of individuals seeking support to stop using e-cigarettes, both alongside tobacco or on their own, the national stop smoking programme is not resourced to meet this demand.
Health officials say that new services would require extensive planning, funding, and staffing, which have not yet been provided. A business case has been submitted to the Minister for Health, but in the meantime, only limited behavioural support is available through some local services. The issue comes amid a wider debate in the Dáil over youth vaping, with new legislation on disposable vapes and product restrictions currently in development.
Labour TD Marie Sherlock criticised the lack of government action, highlighting the targeted marketing by tobacco companies aimed at younger generations and warning that public services are not keeping pace with changing nicotine use patterns.
Source: The Journal, 24 September 2025
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Guernsey: Campaigners urge smoking ban on beaches amid pollution concerns
Environmental and health advocates in Guernsey are calling for a ban on smoking at beaches following data showing cigarette butts as a major source of litter. A local charity’s report revealed that nearly 2,500 butts were collected by volunteers in 2024, making them the second most common item found after plastic.
Campaigners warn that the toxic chemicals in cigarette waste pose a serious threat to marine life, particularly in tide pools. Support for a ban appears strong, with a public health survey indicating that 61% of islanders are in favour. Young people also expressed concern over both environmental and safety risks.
Source: BBC News, 24 September 2025
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South Korea: Government considers tax on e-cigarettes as step towards wider tobacco price reform
South Korea’s government is taking steps to broaden the legal and tax definition of tobacco to include synthetic nicotine used in e-cigarettes. A recent legislative committee approval signals an intent to begin taxing these products, which are currently exempt as they are not made from traditional tobacco leaves. The move is seen as a strategic first step toward wider tobacco tax reform, including a possible increase in cigarette prices, which have remained unchanged for a decade.
Source: The Korea Times, 24 September 2025
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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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