Overview

• The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to create a 'smokefree generation' by banning tobacco sales to individuals born on or after January 1, 2009.
• Nicotine pouches, often mislabeled as 'snus,' are explicitly included in the legislation, addressing concerns about youth access and marketing tactics.
• Holyrood has recommended granting legislative consent for the devolved provisions of the UK-wide bill, ensuring its applicability in Scotland.
• Free distribution of nicotine pouches, such as the incident at Edinburgh's Waverley station, will be restricted under the new law.
• The bill seeks to balance harm reduction for smokers using nicotine products as cessation aids with stricter protections for young people.