Devon councils unite in bid to ban the sale of tobacco to future generations

Fifteen councils across the South West, including Devon, Plymouth and Torbay councils, have called on the Government to pass the Tobacco and Vapes Bill without delay.

The leaders and directors of public health from the region’s local authorities have written to the Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton MP. 

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Ministers are being urged to ensure the Bill receives Royal Assent before the end of the current parliamentary session and to reject any amendments that could weaken the proposed law.

Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council represent a combined population of more than five million people. 

In their joint letter, they warned that delaying the legislation will cost lives and send a signal that “preventable death is still being tolerated”.

Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the South West, with more than 6,500 deaths a year in the region linked to smoking, the equivalent of more than 17 people every day. 

Although smoking rates have fallen in recent years, councils say more than 520,000 adults across the South West still smoke. 

Prevalence remains highest in the most deprived communities, adding to health inequalities.

The Bill includes proposals to create a “Smokefree Generation”, and, if passed, would make it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. 

The legislation would also introduce new powers to tackle youth vaping, including possible restrictions on flavours, packaging and advertising.

Benji Hadwell, South West Smokefree Lead, said the region’s leaders were united in their support for the measures and called on Parliament to act swiftly.

“We see the heartbreak of families losing loved ones and the heavy burden placed on our NHS. We are calling on Parliament to pass this Bill swiftly and decisively, and to ensure that the key measures are not diluted by damaging amendments,” he said.

Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Public Health, Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, added that every day action is delayed, more young people are at risk of being harmed.

“We are calling on the Government and our local MPs to put children’s health first and act decisively to protect the next generation,” she said.

Councils from Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset and Gloucestershire are also among those backing the letter.