MHK 'frustrated' at pace of progress over cigarettes and vaping products

Committee calling for generational ban

A committee that's been looking into how tobacco and vape sales are regulated on the Island is calling for a generational ban.

That's despite the public not appearing to support such a move. 

The panel has published its report calling for those born after 2008 to be prevented from ever buying cigarettes and vaping products.

A questionnaire, as part of the committee's examination of the topic, found the majority of those who responded supported more regulation for newer tobacco products such as pouches and heated tobacco.

But most of those who took part in the survey said ‘no’ when asked if they agree with a smokefree generation.

They also said ‘no’ to following the UK where a ban preventing those born on 1 January 2009 or later from buying tobacco products comes into force next year.

The committee was set up after Rushen MHK Michelle Haywood sought leave for a private members bill to do the same.

However the Council of Ministers amended her motion to set up a committee instead.

Since February 2025 it's taken evidence from a number of individuals and organisations.

This includes Public Health and the Isle of Man Office of Fair Trading; it’s also spoken to retailers.

In the committee's conclusions it's now calling for amendments to domestic legislation to introduce an equivalent generational ban to be included in government's legislative programme for the next administration.

It also wants Public Health to collaborate on the proposals and revisit, and refine, its messaging targeted at young people regarding tobacco, vaping and emerging nicotine products.

Dr Haywood has told Manx Radio she’s been left ‘frustrated’ by the slow pace of progress.

The House of Keys unanimously agreed to receive the report at this week's sitting.

John Moss reports:

Dr Haywood is standing for re-election in September’s General Election; the other candidates standing in Rushen are Michael Crowe, Laurence Vaughan-Williams and Simon Williams.