The Tobacco & Vapes Bill : An Introduction

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has become one of the most talked-about policies in 2025 affecting not just vapers but retailers alike. From flavour bans to new packaging rules and age restrictions, this legislation could reshape the vaping industry in the UK. While much of the discussion has focused on protecting young people, there’s another side to the story that isn’t getting enough attention: how these rules affect legal vape retailers and adult smokers who rely on vapes as a harm-reduction tool.

As a responsible vape UK retailer, we wanted to break down what’s being proposed, how it might affect you, and what needs to happen to make sure this law supports public health and protects the legitimate businesses doing things the right way.

What is the Tobacco and Vapes Bill? 

 The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is a major piece of legislation aimed at tackling smoking and youth vaping in the UK. It proposes several key changes:

• Banning cigarette sales to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 (creating a "smoke-free generation")

• Restrictions on flavoured vapes and packaging that appeals to children

• Power for the government to set rules on how vapes are displayed and sold.

• A possible ban or limit on disposable vapes, due to environmental concerns

The Bill is backed by many public health organisations and aims to reduce smoking rates while tackling the rising number of teenagers using vapes. However, while the intent is good, the detail will matter – and so will enforcement.

Why the Tobacco and Vape bill matters to vape retailers 

For responsible vape retailers like Thunder Vapes, the Bill raises big questions and concerns. We already follow strict age verification, only sell compliant products, and refuse to stock anything that could appeal to underage users. But this law could end up punishing legitimate businesses while doing little to stop illegal sellers.

The biggest threat? A growing black market. We’re already seeing a rise in rogue sellers offering colourful, non-compliant disposables on social media, in markets, and under the counter in shops - even whilst disposable vapes are legal (banned set to take place on 1st June 2025). If mainstream options are banned or limited without proper enforcement, many adult customers will be pushed toward unregulated, unsafe products.

Retailers like us want to support the government’s goals. But we need fair regulation and consistent enforcement that targets bad actors – not the shops trying to help adult smokers quit safely.

How this affects adult vapers  The Bill could dramatically change the way adult vapers buy and use products. Flavour bans might limit options that many rely on to stay off cigarettes - But limiting the flavours smokers are likely to return to the traditional methods of smoking.

Disposable vape bans could remove a key entry point for new quitters. And restrictions on packaging or displays could make vapes harder to access in a legal, safe way.

Many adult smokers have switched to vaping because it’s more accessible, affordable, and less harmful. If those benefits disappear, some may go back to smoking – or buy illegal vapes instead.

Thunder Vapes’ position  

At Thunder Vapes, we fully support efforts to keep vapes out of the hands of children. That’s why we operate strict Challenge 25 ID checks, staff training, and only sell TPD-compliant products. But regulation needs to be balanced and backed by proper enforcement.

We believe the Bill is an opportunity to clean up the industry – but only if it focuses on stopping illegal sellers and educating consumers. We’re ready to work with local authorities, trading standards, and the wider industry to make vaping safer and more transparent for everyone.

What should happen next?  

We believe the government should:

• Introduce a vape retailer licensing scheme (like alcohol/tobacco) - if irresponsible retailers do not choose to implement challenge or source their products from a legitimate source then they should have their licence revoked. 

• Crack down harder on black market imports and online resellers

• Work with trusted vape businesses on compliance and education

• Ensure adult smokers aren’t left behind

Banning flavours or products without solving the enforcement gap will only push the problem underground. We need smarter solutions, not blanket bans.

Conclusion / Call to Action  

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is a big step in the right direction, but it must be done properly. As a responsible retailer, Thunder Vapes is committed to legal compliance, youth protection, and helping adults quit smoking the right way.

We’ll be keeping our customers updated as the law progresses. If you have questions about your vape options or how to stay compliant as a buyer, get in touch or visit us in-store.

Visit https://thundervapes.co.uk to learn more or browse our range of compliant, adult-focused vape products.