The Government is being urged to prohibit advertisements for heated tobacco devices, as Health Secretary Wes Streeting faces pressure to close a loophole that allows these products to be promoted in supermarkets. Heated tobacco products, which heat tobacco instead of burning it like traditional cigarettes, have come under scrutiny.
Dr. Beccy Cooper MP, a public health doctor and member of the Health and Social Care Select Committee, has called for explicit inclusion of the ban on heated tobacco device ads in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is currently undergoing final stages of parliamentary review. This issue will be further discussed in upcoming debates.
According to Dr. Cooper, the Government has clarified the illegality of advertising any tobacco products in supermarkets, including heated tobacco devices. Despite this, some supermarkets have continued to display ads for these products, contravening the law. It is essential for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to address this loophole unequivocally.
Baroness Northover of the Liberal Democrats recently emphasized in the House of Lords that promoting heated tobacco products is unacceptable and urged unambiguous inclusion of these devices in the bill without exceptions. She highlighted the distinction between heated tobacco products and vapes, noting that vapes have been recommended for smoking cessation while heated tobacco products do not meet the same standards.
Last year, the Government wrote to leading supermarket chains, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons, requesting the cessation of advertising and promotion of heated tobacco products in their stores. This action was prompted by the display of Philip Morris International’s IQoS heated tobacco device. PMI stated its compliance with laws and regulations since the launch of iQos in 2016.
In response, a spokesperson from Sainsbury’s affirmed their adherence to age-restricted product policies and current legislation regarding the marketing of heated tobacco devices. They acknowledged the complexity of the issue and expressed plans to ensure compliance with forthcoming legislation in collaboration with the Government and industry partners.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson emphasized the harmful nature of all tobacco products and reiterated the illegality of advertising any tobacco product, including heated tobacco. The upcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to reinforce these regulations, aligning the UK towards a smoke-free future.
