British American Tobacco Faces New UK Test as Smoke-Free Law Tightens Vape Rules
British American Tobacco p.l.c. criticized Britain’s new Tobacco and Vapes Act, arguing it misses the mark on giving adult smokers better alternatives. That stance places the Lucky Strike, Vuse, and Velo maker right in the thick of the UK’s renewed debate over regulating tobacco and nicotine sales. With Royal Assent on April 29, the law now prohibits tobacco sales to anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 2009—a rolling age restriction that chips away at the cigarette-buying population annually. Ministers also pick up new authority over vape packaging, branding, and in-store displays, shifting the competitive landscape for nicotine products.