What’s new this fortnight?
- House of Lords Report Stage was completed on 3 March 2026; the Bill now heads to Third Reading in the Lords on 9 March, then back to the Commons.
- Peers have agreed the Government amendments strengthening enforcement, introducing a 4–7 year review duty, and adding powers to regulate technological features and software in vaping devices.
- The Debates highlighted the forthcoming retail licensing scheme for tobacco, vapes and nicotine products and discussed whether a minimum 12‑month lead‑in should apply.
- A Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) consultation (England) opened on smoke‑free, heated‑tobacco‑free and vape‑free places on 13 Feb 2026 (closing 8 May 2026).
- Disposable vapes remain banned since 1 June 2025. However Trading Standards continue to warn about illicit ‘big‑puff’ devices and pseudo‑reusables.
Reminder on what the Bill will do (retailer‑relevant highlights)
- Create a smoke‑free generation by prohibiting tobacco sales to those born on or after 1 January 2009.
- Enable a retail licensing scheme for tobacco, vapes and nicotine products.
- Introduce £200 fixed penalty notices for age‑of‑sale breaches.
- Provide powers to regulate vape flavours, packaging, descriptors, displays and advertising.
- Provide powers to regulate device technology and software.
Enforcement readiness – what councils and retailers should prepare for
- Expect consultation‑led detail on the retail licensing scheme (systems, fees, requirements, sanctions).
- Disposable vapes remain banned. Therefore, we must continue to ensure that all products offered for sale are rechargeable, refillable and coil‑replaceable.
- Increase checks on TRPR compliance, MHRA notifications, safety warnings and lawful import evidence.
- Retailers should continually refresh their systems regarding Challenge 25, refusal logs and incident protocols in light of retail‑crime concerns.