Tobacco and vaping legislation outlined in King’s Speech
A number of draft bills outlined in the King’s Speech are set to have an impact on retailers in Northern Ireland.
On Wednesday 17th July, King Charles outlined the new Labour government’s plans to Parliament, with 39 bills ministers want to pass.
One of the key areas of focus is the Tobacco & Vapes Bill, introduced by the now-ousted Conservative government, with a number of measures expected to be introduced on tobacco sales, with a gradual ban on smoking to be brought in.
In May 2024, the then Health Minister, Robin Swann welcomed the passing of a motion to include Northern Ireland in the UK Tobacco & Vapes Bill, with the motion passed following an Assembly debate on 21st May.
“Support for proposed measures to tackle these issues is clear in the response received from the Northern Ireland public to the UK-wide consultation on the Bill,” said Mr Swann.
The UK Vaping Industry Association welcomed the announcement that the Tobacco & Vapes Bill is back on the legislative agenda and hopes the new administration will allow unfettered debate on the issue.
“This bill, if implemented with thought and care, could be the springboard to getting the country’s smoke-free ambitions back on track, after inaction from the last government caused it to slip backwards by a decade or more,” said John Dunne, Director General of the UKVIA.
“The powers contained in this bill have the potential to cause either enormous good or enormous harm for the health outcomes of the nation and this is why our politicians must act with care to get it right,” he added.
With a focus on the health of children and young people, there is also planned legislation to ban the sale of high-energy caffeine drinks to children – part of Labour’s election manifesto. While restrictions on the advertising of junk food to children is also a priority.
Under the Crime and Policing Bill, assaulting shopworkers is now a specific offence, which many retailers in Northern Ireland have been seeking.
Earlier this year, Justice Minister Naomi Long said she condemned all abuse and violence directed at any frontline workers, and would examine the possibility of introducing the standalone offence in Northern Ireland.
“No-one should face mistreatment whilst doing their job and serving the public and such attacks are wholly unacceptable and must not be tolerated,” said Ms Long.
“Such abuse or violence can be prosecuted under existing laws designed to protect any member of the public from harm. However, the introduction of further protections for these workers is something I am giving further consideration to.”
