|
|
|
|
Ministers promise tougher action on vape shops as high street frustration grows
The Government has signalled plans to curb the spread of vape shops and similar outlets on struggling high streets, arguing that communities should have greater control over the types of businesses operating in their town centres.
The intervention follows research showing that the decline of high streets is one of voters’ top local concerns, with dissatisfaction particularly strong in areas that feel left behind economically. The Government plans to introduce new powers allowing residents to block certain shops, alongside a £150m fund aimed at reviving neglected shopping areas by improving shopfronts, filling empty units and encouraging community-focused businesses.
Source: The Telegraph, 1 February 2026
|
|
Manchester streets raise questions after surge in vape retailers
Two neighbouring streets in the Strangeways area of Manchester have become home to an unusually high concentration of vape shops, with 51 outlets operating along a stretch of less than 300 yards. Harris Street is now entirely occupied by vaping retailers, while a nearby industrial estate on Overbridge Road accounts for the remainder.
The growth has taken place gradually over more than a decade but accelerated after police and council action removed the area’s once-prominent counterfeit clothing trade, leaving vacant units that were subsequently taken over by vape businesses.
the area has previously been the focus of raids that uncovered illegal and counterfeit vaping products, local trading standards officers say they are aware of the situation and have no current concerns about widespread wrongdoing.
Source: The Express, 1 February 2026
|
|
Industry voices argue nicotine remains essential to convenience retail
This feature published in Asian Trader sets out the case that tobacco, vaping and newer nicotine products continue to play a central commercial role in UK convenience stores, despite tighter regulation and changing consumer habits. The article draws heavily on retailer feedback and commentary from tobacco, vaping and nicotine suppliers.
Industry figures quoted include representatives from Imperial Brands, Philip Morris Limited, Scandinavian Tobacco Group UK, Vape Supplier Ltd and the Global Institute for Novel Nicotine, alongside manufacturers of vaping devices and nicotine pouches. Their contributions emphasise declining cigarette volumes but sustained demand for nicotine, with particular focus on growth in refillable vapes and oral nicotine products.
The piece highlights concerns raised by these stakeholders around legislative uncertainty, enforcement activity, illicit trade and upcoming fiscal measures, such as the planned vaping products duty. It also reflects industry arguments that nicotine shoppers continue to deliver above-average basket spend and remain important to store footfall.
Editorial note: This article has been included to provide insight into market trends and industry developments.
See also: Press release: ‘A Historic Shift in Public Health’ - ASH Chief Executive writes to retailers as the smokefree generation law moves closer - ASH
Source: Asian Trader, 30 January 2026
|
|
UK vape retailer launches expansion and production investment
Vaping retailer VPZ has unveiled a large-scale investment strategy intended to strengthen its operations across the United Kingdom. The plan centres on boosting domestic manufacturing capacity and enhancing supply-chain controls as regulatory changes, including a forthcoming vaping tax, approach.
The company will add additional production lines at its UK facility and plans to open 40 new stores nationwide over the course of the year. It also intends to establish a bonded warehouse at its headquarters in Edinburgh.
Source: Convenience Store, 2 February 2026
Editorial note: This article has been included to provide insight into market trends and industry developments.
|
|
Food industry warns Labour nutrition rules could reshape everyday products
Food manufacturers and major supermarkets have criticised Labour’s proposed update to the junk food classification system, warning that it could have unintended consequences for everyday foods such as pasta sauces, yoghurts and ready meals.
Industry figures argue that counting so-called “free sugars” released when fruit and vegetables are puréed would see many products reclassified as unhealthy, potentially restricting their advertising and promotion.
According to retailers and food companies, the changes could encourage manufacturers to remove natural ingredients like tomatoes or fruit purées and replace them with artificial alternatives in order to stay below sugar thresholds.
The Department of Health and Social Care say that strong opposition from commercial interests was to be expected, but that inaction would leave more children growing up unhealthy while increasing pressure on the NHS.
Editorial note: Media stories covering prevention of ill-health are being included in ASH Daily News because policy change in these areas is indicative of the Government’s position on prevention and their attitudes to harm-causing industries.
Source: The Telegraph, 31 January 2026
See also: Blog: Updating the Nutrient Profiling Mode is Fair Game - Obesity Health Alliance
|
|
Alcohol policy stalled by industry influence, argues Labour MP
In an article written by Cat Smith, the Labour MP argues that alcohol-related harm remains a major public health problem in England, with deaths still above pre-pandemic levels and significant costs to the NHS and wider public services. She contends that progress on reducing harm has been slow for more than a decade, particularly affecting deprived communities, and says this reflects sustained political influence from the alcohol industry.
The article highlights a recent report by the Institute of Alcohol Studies which claims that lobbying by alcohol producers and trade bodies led to the removal of proposed marketing restrictions from the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan. According to the report, industry representatives contacted senior ministers and officials shortly before publication, challenging the evidence and warning of economic damage, despite international evidence supporting advertising controls to protect public health.
Smith argues that reliance on industry self-regulation has failed, especially in digital marketing, and calls for stronger conflict-of-interest rules similar to those applied to tobacco policy. While welcoming Labour’s plans to introduce mandatory health labelling and review drink-driving limits, she warns that industry pressure continues and insists that public health considerations should take precedence over commercial interests.
Editorial note: Media stories covering prevention of ill-health are being included in ASH Daily News because policy change in these areas is indicative of the Government’s position on prevention and their attitudes to harm-causing industries.
Source: LabourList, 2 February 2026
|
|
US lawsuit claims tobacco firm’s North Korea links enabled terror attacks
A group of US service personnel, civilians and relatives has brought a civil case against British American Tobacco and one of its subsidiaries, alleging that the company’s past business activities in North Korea indirectly helped finance weapons later used in attacks on US targets in the Middle East.
The claim centres on a cigarette manufacturing venture begun in the early 2000s, which plaintiffs say continued covertly despite international sanctions. They argue that revenues generated through the operation and associated financial transactions supported North Korea’s weapons programmes and were ultimately channelled to organisations named in the lawsuit in connection with terrorist attacks.
The lawsuit follows earlier action by U.S. Department of Justice, which resulted in a deferred prosecution agreement and substantial financial penalties for sanctions and banking violations. The new case seeks damages under US laws allowing victims to pursue not only perpetrators of terrorism but also organisations accused of knowingly assisting them. British American Tobacco has declined to comment on the ongoing proceedings.
Source: The Guardian, 30 January 2026
|
|
Dutch tobacco firms challenge plan to raise nicotine age limit
Dutch tobacco manufacturers have pushed back against proposals by coalition parties to raise the legal age for buying cigarettes and e-cigarettes from 18 to 21, arguing that the change would treat adults inconsistently and be ineffective without stronger enforcement. The industry association representing cigarette and rolling-tobacco manufacturers states that people aged 18 are legally permitted to make other major life decisions, and that singling out tobacco and vaping would be illogical.
Industry representatives also argue that the impact of the current age limit has never been formally assessed and that compliance remains patchy. They warn that increasing the threshold could repeat the same problems unless authorities first evaluate existing measures and improve enforcement.
Source: NL Times, 30 January 2026
Editorial note: The industry association referenced in the article, VSK, has four members, including British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco International and Imperial Tobacco.
This stance contrasts with arguments made by tobacco companies in the UK, where the industry has urged the government to raise the age of sale to 21 as an alternative to a generational smoking ban.
|
|
Have you been forwarded this email? Subscribe to ASH Daily News here.
For more information email [email protected] or visit www.ash.org.uk
@ASHorguk
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
