A smoke free generation or should we be aiming for a nicotine free one?

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The government’s aim to create a ‘smoke free generation’ (SFG) are to be applauded. The current Labour Government have brought forward and strengthened the previous administration’s plans that will phase out sales of tobacco, improve enforcement and invest heavily in supporting people to quit smoking. We have seen first-hand, through our work with Coventry City Council and Warwickshire City Council, the potential this investment brings to transform stop smoking services and reduce smoking. What is less clear is how the SFG programme will achieve its aim to “help protect children from becoming hooked on nicotine“? Whilst new the laws will restrict sales and the design of vapes and give tougher enforcement powers, it does not appear to extend to local support and services to young people to tackle vaping and nicotine use. We recently had the opportunity to speak to a forum of public health practitioners in the West Midlands about our work supporting Coventry and Warwickshire to reduce nicotine use among young people. It was clear that although they are all hugely concerned about the rising use of vaping and nicotine pouches, the SFG funding requires them to focus exclusively on adult smoking. All the more reason to congratulate Coventry and Warwickshire for investing in research to truly understand the issue and develop behaviourally informed approaches to support young people to quit using nicotine and prevent others from starting. A Smoke Free Generation is laudable. A nicotine free one would be even better.