Imperial Brands Calls for Serious Action to Prevent Teen Smoking

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Dec.15.2023
Imperial Brands Calls for Serious Action to Prevent Teen Smoking
Imperial Brands urges crackdown on retailers selling to minors amid proposals to curb teen smoking.

According to the British retail website Talkingretail, Imperial Brands has suggested taking serious action against retailers who sell to adolescents and presented a range of solutions to curb youth smoking.

 

The company has also urged the government to reform the e-cigarette flavor names and ban products that are packaged in a manner specifically designed to attract individuals below the age of 18.

 

Further proposed measures include more effective regulation and stronger deterrents for those who violate regulations, including fixed penalty notices and the introduction of a retailer licensing system. The owners of the Blue-cigarette brand express alignment with the viewpoint of Sir Chris Whitty, the UK's Chief Medical Officer, that we should continue to encourage smokers to switch to using e-cigarettes as it poses less risk while preventing the marketing and sale of e-cigarettes to children.

 

The company also stated that banning e-cigarette flavors could easily lead some nicotine users back to tobacco smoking. Retailers selling e-cigarettes to minors could have their licenses revoked, according to Imperial, which stated that this would serve as a strong deterrent to irresponsible retailers. In addition, the company proposed taxing e-cigarette products, which could help raise funds for enforcement.

 

Oliver Kutz, the General Manager of Imperial Brands in the UK and Ireland, expressed

 

As a responsible tobacco and harm reduction product manufacturer, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards the use of our products by anyone under the age of 18.

 

However, he stated that the company opposes Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's proposal to implement a "generation" ban on tobacco products.

 

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

Kyrgyzstan considers six-month ban on e-cigarette and e-cigarettee-liquid imports
Kyrgyzstan considers six-month ban on e-cigarette and e-cigarettee-liquid imports
According to Kyrgyz media, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce has launched a public discussion on a draft decree proposing a six-month ban on the import of e-cigarettes and nicotine-containing liquids. The measure, based on Article 15-1 of the Law “On Protecting Citizens’ Health from the Consequences of Tobacco and Nicotine Use,” aims to safeguard public health and prevent youth nicotine addiction.
Nov.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Advocacy Groups Launch "20IsPlenty" Campaign for Nicotine Pouch Strength Limit of 20mg
UK Advocacy Groups Launch "20IsPlenty" Campaign for Nicotine Pouch Strength Limit of 20mg
UK harm reduction groups led by We Vape have launched the “20IsPlenty” campaign calling for a 20mg nicotine pouch cap, a ban on youth advertising, and evidence-based regulation. The initiative coincides with the Tobacco and Vapes Bill debate and aims to ensure pouches remain accessible as safer alternatives for smokers.
Oct.28 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
Energy Marketers of America Backs White House Crackdown on Illicit Vape Shops, Urges Cleanup of ‘Gray Area’ Market
Energy Marketers of America Backs White House Crackdown on Illicit Vape Shops, Urges Cleanup of ‘Gray Area’ Market
The Energy Marketers of America (EMA) has publicly endorsed the White House’s enforcement campaign against illicit vape shops, saying it will help address the regulatory “gray area” that has emerged since 2020 due to delayed product approvals. EMA noted that a large volume of unauthorized imported disposable e-cigarettes worth about $86.5 million has been seized and called for stronger, more localized enforcement efforts to ease the burden on compliant convenience retailers.
Dec.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Belarus Proposes 20% Tax Increase on Vaping Products and Nicotine Items
Belarus Proposes 20% Tax Increase on Vaping Products and Nicotine Items
Belarus will increase excise taxes in 2026 on vapes, liquids for electronic smoking systems, and non-tobacco nicotine products, with a proposed 20% rise aimed at aligning these rates with traditional cigarettes. Electronic smoking devices and heated tobacco systems will also be added to the list of excisable goods. Excise taxes on filtered cigarettes and heated tobacco will rise by 7% and 3% respectively.
Nov.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Singapore Schools Enhance Anti-E-cigarette Education with Scenario Discussions and Scientific Evidence
Singapore Schools Enhance Anti-E-cigarette Education with Scenario Discussions and Scientific Evidence
Singapore schools are ramping up anti-vaping education through Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) and science lessons. Classes now use scenario-based discussions—for example, a friend asking you to hide their vape during a random bag check—to help students practise refusal, empathy and seeking help safely.
Oct.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai