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Written question asked by Melanie Onn (Labour) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Diana Johnson (Labour) on Thursday, 10 September 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Electronic Cigarettes and Tobacco: Licensing

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will bring forwards the consultation on the retail licensing scheme under the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 to 2026.

Answer

We are carefully considering the responses to our October 2025 call for evidence on tobacco and vapes, including on the granting of licences, to inform our proposals for future consultation, and we will set out our plans in the normal way in due course.

The Government is investing up to £10 million of new funding per year in Trading Standards until 2028/29 to support the enforcement of illicit and underage tobacco and vape sales, and the implementation of the measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Act.

However, powers in the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 also allow licensing fees collected from retailers to be used by local authorities to cover the costs of administering and enforcing the scheme. This will minimise burdens on local authorities and central government, and ensure the scheme can be implemented sustainably.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
21206
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Licensing Tobacco Electronic cigarettes
Legislation
Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk