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Minister criticised for attending tobacco-sponsored awards
Sir Chris Bryant, Minister of State for Business and Trade, faced criticism for attending the Asian Trader Awards in Westminster, an event sponsored by major tobacco companies including PMI, BAT and Imperial Brands. The ceremony included an award sponsored by Imperial Brands for a store involved in lobbying against recent UK tobacco and vaping legislation.
ASH raised concerns that the minister’s attendance may conflict with obligations under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. ASH CEO Hazel Cheeseman highlighted that tobacco companies seek opportunities to influence policymakers and weaken regulations, and argued that ministers should carefully consider the wider implications of attending industry-sponsored events and avoid such appearances in the future.
The Department for Business and Trade said the awards celebrated small businesses following the UK-India trade deal and that no bilateral meetings with tobacco companies were held.
Source: The Times, 28 November 2025 [In print only]
See also: Asian Trader - Asian Trader Awards 2025: Paul and Pinda Cheema named Responsible Retailer of the Year
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Morrisons to introduce vape concessions across hundreds of stores
Morrisons has agreed a major partnership that will see The E-Cig Store open concessions in more than 400 supermarkets, with the first set to launch in Rotherham next month. The move will expand the retailer’s in-store offer of vaping products and nicotine pouches, with the specialist kiosks run by trained staff and positioned as compliant, harm-reduction-focused outlets for adult smokers and vapers. The E-Cig Store, which already operates over 50 standalone shops, describes the rollout as a significant shift for the UK’s vaping market.
The new deal sits alongside Morrisons’ existing arrangement with VPZ, which continues to operate several units inside the chain. The development comes ahead of tax increases on nicotine-containing vape liquids from next autumn, which are expected to raise the price of both small bottles and larger refill volumes and introduce a mandatory duty stamp on all products.
Source: The Sun, 28 November 2025
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Smoking rates fall sharply in Oxfordshire
New figures show that 7.5% of adults in Oxfordshire smoked in 2024, representing a notable reduction from 12.1% in 2020. Despite this progress, the county has shifted its target of reaching a “smoke-free” rate of 5% from 2025 to 2030, as smoking remains considerably higher among certain groups, including people with long-term mental health conditions and those in routine or manual occupations. Officials estimate that around 47,000 residents still smoke.
A range of measures are being used to drive further reductions. One trial is based on the Allen Carr method, which uses group sessions and cognitive techniques. Plans are also under way for a regional campaign early next year addressing misconceptions about smoking and mental health. Additional research will examine nicotine dependence and vaping, especially among younger people. However, uncertainty around ongoing funding for hospital-based tobacco dependency advisors poses a challenge to sustaining progress.
Source: BBC News, 28 November 2025
See also: ASH - At risk? Tobacco dependence treatment in the NHS. Findings from a survey of Integrated Care Boards in England
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Brent Council targets widespread paan spitting in Wembley
Brent Council is intensifying efforts to tackle paan spitting in Wembley, where the reddish residue from the chew stains pavements, walls, and street furniture. The council spends more than £30,000 annually on cleaning, and many stains cannot be fully removed even with high-powered jets.
Paan, a stimulant chew made from betel nut, leaf, herbs, and sometimes tobacco. As part of its zero-tolerance approach, banners have been installed in hotspot areas and enforcement officers will patrol the streets, with offenders facing fines of up to £100.
Source: BBC News, 30 November 2025
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Tougher rules introduced for tobacco allowances at Irish border
From next week, Irish authorities will confiscate all tobacco products carried by travellers from other EU states if the quantity exceeds the official personal-use limits. These limits – including 800 cigarettes and 1kg of loose tobacco – have long applied, but Revenue will now treat any excess as proof that the goods are not for personal consumption. Anyone carrying more than the permitted amount risks losing the entire haul and may face prosecution. The change comes as officials report extensive annual seizures and a continued drop in the proportion of tobacco on the Irish market that carries domestic duty. Authorities are urging travellers to review the rules before departing to avoid fines, delays and the loss of their goods.
Source: Irish Independent, 1 December 2025
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Australia: Metcash reports sharp fall in tobacco sales
Metcash, a major supplier to independent Australian retailers including IGA, has reported a 35% drop in tobacco sales to $637.8 million in the six months to 31 October compared with the previous year. The decline accelerated after new regulations in July required warning labels on individual cigarettes and banned flavours such as menthol and mint, which the Metcash chief executive states is driving some customers to the illegal market. The decline has also reportedly affected related product sales, though overall food and liquor sales remained stable.
Source: The Daily Mail, 1 December 2025
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