Fast-tracked legislation was designed to close 'loophole of expanding problem'

Curbs on nicotine products to be discussed by LegCo next week

Efforts to rush through new legislation to stop children being able to purchase nicotine products was an attempt to close a ‘loophole’ of an ‘expanding problem’.

That’s from the Cabinet Office Minister who successfully took the Nicotine Products Bill 2026 through the House of Keys yesterday (30 June).

It’s designed to prohibit the sale of items including nicotine pouches.

However the Bill didn’t contain enough information for some politicians and it was halted before going through Legislative Council.

Despite this it could still be on course for a speedy implementation as John Moss reports:

UK data shows there's been a 'steep increase' in 16–24-year-olds buying nicotine pouches with concerns that their marketing is being deliberately targeted towards younger age groups.

As nicotine pouches are neither a vaping product, nor a medicinal product, they - and other like-for-like items - fall outside of the regulatory controls including age restrictions.

As they are consumed orally they also fall outside some regulatory controls on tobacco products.

It's understood the Legislative Council will consider the Nicotine Products Bill 2026 during a sitting on Tuesday, 7 July.

You can find out more HERE.

Lawrie Hooper is seeking re-election in Ramsey in September’s General Election. The other candidate standing is Juan McGuinness.