Tobacco and nicotine regulation - Fresh Balance

Tobacco is the most lethal consumer product available.  Nicotine products can have a role in helping tobacco smokers to quit but they should not be used by children or adults who don’t smoke.

This is why a proportionate approach to regulation is needed so that the most harmful product – tobacco – is subject to the strongest measures.

Fresh works with local, regional and national partners in health and enforcement on a busy and constantly evolving strand of work around tobacco and nicotine regulation.

The UK has robust legislation in place but there is much more to be done to ensure it remains effective, protects children and young people and contributes to a decline in smoking rates.

The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 will phase out the sale of tobacco to anyone born in or after 2009 and gives the Government powers to curb youth vaping whilst still ensuring adult smokers can use vapes to quit.  ASH have a useful page on the Act here.

We work to support compliance with existing regulations as well as gather evidence to close loopholes and make the case for further effective regulation.

We maintain links with regulatory colleagues, provide advice and guidance to partners and work collaboratively to provide access to evidence and best practice through our Fresh Tobacco Crime and Regulation Forum.

We are also advocating for the measures outlined in the All Party Parliamentary Group on Smoking and Health report A Roadmap to a Smokefree Country which sets out the urgent actions needed to end smoking and calls on political parties to support a bold, fully funded national tobacco control strategy

Visit our Advocacy page for more information.