, updated
Controversial proposals to imprison anyone found to be advertising vapes or nicotine under a new law have been branded ‘madness’ by senior Tories.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill – which overwhelmingly passed its second reading last week – contains a clause suggesting people who knowingly market smoking or vaping-relating products could be locked up for two years.
The legislation, hailed by the government as the path to creating a smoke-free generation, would impose a UK-wide ban on the advertising, brand sharing and sponsorship of herbal smoking products, cigarette papers, vaping and nicotine products.
Anyone flouting the law is liable for two years in prison, according to the latest version of the Bill going through Parliament.
Shadow Business Minister Greg Smith said last night: ‘A potential two year prison sentence for those advertising nicotine products to adults who are seeking to make the brave leap to quitting cigarettes is wholly …