BAT Executives Urge UK to Crack Down on Illegal e-Cigarettes

Sep.20.2024
BAT Executives Urge UK to Crack Down on Illegal e-Cigarettes
British American Tobacco (BAT) executives urge UK government to focus on tackling illegal e-cigarette sales instead of unnecessary tobacco policies.

According to a recent report by Bloomberg, executives from British American Tobacco (BAT) have stated that the UK government should focus on combating the illicit trade of e-cigarettes rather than introducing additional regulations on traditional cigarettes.


The previous Conservative government in the UK announced plans to ban the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 14 in order to create a smoke-free generation.


British American Tobacco's Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Kingsley Wheaton, cited an analysis from the company indicating that the smoking rate among young people will drop to below 5% when the UK's policy to ban the purchase of cigarettes by young people takes effect.


Whitton emphasized that the government should allocate more resources to crack down on the illegal e-cigarette market, rather than further tightening existing policies on traditional cigarettes. The company will push for licenses to be issued to e-cigarette retailers. BAT said that if enforced properly, issuing licenses will help reduce the number of minors accessing e-cigarettes.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

2Firsts Observation|PMI Launches IQOS ILUMA i × SELETTI Limited Edition at Dubai Airport
2Firsts Observation|PMI Launches IQOS ILUMA i × SELETTI Limited Edition at Dubai Airport
2Firsts observed that Philip Morris International (PMI) has set up a large-scale IQOS display at Dubai International Airport’s duty-free area, featuring the TEREA tobacco stick series with promotional offers. The brand also showcased its limited-edition collaboration with Italian design house SELETTI — IQOS ILUMA i × SELETTI — further strengthening its premium image through artistic design.
Nov.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Complete Vape Prohibition Takes Effect Across Uzbekistan
Complete Vape Prohibition Takes Effect Across Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has enacted a nationwide ban on the sale and circulation of e-cigarettes and related vape liquids, following the approval of a new law signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The legislation introduces criminal liability for violations, with penalties including fines of 300 to 500 basic calculation units (approximately US$10,300–17,200), corrective labor for up to three years, or imprisonment for up to five years.
Nov.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Michigan Senate Passes Bipartisan Bills Requiring Tobacco Retailer Licensing
Michigan Senate Passes Bipartisan Bills Requiring Tobacco Retailer Licensing
The Michigan Senate has passed bipartisan legislation requiring tobacco retailers to be licensed statewide, aiming to strengthen enforcement against youth tobacco use. The bills introduce regular inspections, tougher penalties for sales to minors, regulation of online and delivery sales, and a ban on flash sales. The legislation now moves to the Michigan House for further consideration.
Dec.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia's Perm Legislators Approve Full Ban on Vape Products in Regional Retail Market
Russia's Perm Legislators Approve Full Ban on Vape Products in Regional Retail Market
2Firsts, November 28, 2025 — The Legislative Assembly of Perm Krai has passed a law banning the retail sale of vape products and other nicotine-aerosol devices, effective March 1, 2026. Individuals found selling such items will face fines between ₽15,000–₽20,000 (about US $180–240), while companies face ₽50,000–₽100,000 (about US $600–1,200). The ban covers all electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), heated-tobacco devices, and their components, regardless of nicotine content.
Nov.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK government letter agrees nicotine pouches are lower risk than smoking and a harm reduction tool
UK government letter agrees nicotine pouches are lower risk than smoking and a harm reduction tool
In correspondence with 20isPlenty campaigners, the government agreed nicotine pouches are likely to pose lower health risks than smoking and confirmed they are a harm reduction tool, while warning about their high nicotine content, fast absorption and potential to be flavoured.
Jan.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
AIR’s Shisha Brand Al Fakher Launches New Pod-Based Vape in Germany, Touting Non-Ceramic Atomization Technology
AIR’s Shisha Brand Al Fakher Launches New Pod-Based Vape in Germany, Touting Non-Ceramic Atomization Technology
AIR’s shisha brand Al Fakher has launched its rechargeable pod-based vape Crown Switch in Germany, featuring Coldstream technology and claiming low-temperature vaporization without ceramic or metal heating elements. The device is now available on shisha-world, while AIR is simultaneously pushing ahead with its plan to go public on Nasdaq via a SPAC merger.
Nov.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai