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

Philippines Probe Agency Seizes 800 Smuggled Vape Products in Manila, Stores Face Multiple Charges
Philippines Probe Agency Seizes 800 Smuggled Vape Products in Manila, Stores Face Multiple Charges
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) recently seized around PHP 250,000 (approximately USD 4,250) worth of smuggled and unregistered vape devices and liquids—about 800 items in total—from two stores in Manila. Authorities said the devices could be modified to discreetly consume cannabinoids and other illegal drugs, and that those involved will face charges under the Philippines’ Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act and the Consumer Act.
Dec.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
R.J. Reynolds Seeks Dismissal of “Carbon Neutral” Lawsuit over Vuse E-Cigarette Claims
R.J. Reynolds Seeks Dismissal of “Carbon Neutral” Lawsuit over Vuse E-Cigarette Claims
R.J. Reynolds Vapor Co. has moved to dismiss a class-action lawsuit alleging false “carbon neutral” claims for its Vuse e-cigarettes, arguing its statements were based on independent certifications from Verra and Vertis, not misleading consumers.
Oct.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tobacco Announces Executive Leadership Changes Effective in 2026
Japan Tobacco Announces Executive Leadership Changes Effective in 2026
Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) has announced a series of executive and board appointments effective from 2026, including the nomination of Takehiko Tsutsui—currently Executive Vice President at JT International—as President, CEO and Representative Director.
Nov.26
U.S FDA Announces Dec. 8 Deadline for IQOS MRTP Renewal Comments
U.S FDA Announces Dec. 8 Deadline for IQOS MRTP Renewal Comments
The U.S. FDA has set December 8, 2025, 11:59 p.m. ET as the closing date for public comments on the MRTP renewal applications submitted by Philip Morris Products S.A. for several IQOS heated tobacco products.
Nov.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thailand National Health Commission Advances Vape Regulation Aligned with Anti-Drug Agenda
Thailand National Health Commission Advances Vape Regulation Aligned with Anti-Drug Agenda
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Saram, who chairs the National Health Commission (NHC), presided over a meeting aligning the nation’s e-cigarette control policies with the government’s “Quick Big Win” anti-drug strategy. The session reviewed progress under the National Health Assembly Resolution on Protecting Children and Youth from E-Cigarettes, which includes five key measures on awareness, enforcement, and prevention.
Nov.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT expands facial age-estimation checks: over 600 stores covered in Europe, targeting 1,000 by year-end
BAT expands facial age-estimation checks: over 600 stores covered in Europe, targeting 1,000 by year-end
BAT has partnered with the Channel Islands Co-operative Society and Yoti to pilot facial age estimation in 10 Coop stores across Jersey. Customers scan a QR code and take a selfie; the system instantly deletes the image and returns only a yes/no against a minimum age threshold (set at 20) for the pilot. BAT already uses Yoti in 600+ stores across Europe and plans to reach 1,000 by year-end.
Oct.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai