The Minister for Health, Care and Business, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez has today published a Command Paper outlining draft legislation to create smoke-free generations, restrict the sale of nicotine products and ban single-use vapes.

This was first announced by the Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo KC MP, during the Ceremonial Opening of Parliament and was also addressed in his New Year’s Message earlier this year, with the aim of bringing forward the end of smoking and nicotine addictions completely.

The proposed legislation sets out three objectives:

• Smoke-Free Generations – The Bill would prohibit the sale of tobacco products to any person born on or after 1 January 2009, with the new provisions coming into force from 1 January 2027 – the point at which those born on or after 1st January 2009 turn 18 years old.
• Ban on Single-Use Vapes – In response to environmental and public health concerns, the draft Bill includes a total ban on the sale and advertising of single-use vapes, regardless of age. These products, often marketed in attractive packaging and flavours, pose both environmental and health concerns.
• Regulation of Nicotine Products – The proposed Bill would also prohibit the sale of nicotine products to individuals under the age of 18, with clear obligations for vendors to verify age and display appropriate signage at the point of sale.

The consultation period is now open and members of the public are encouraged to share their views. Responses should be submitted to command.papers@gibraltar.gov.gi or delivered in writing to:

Command Papers Consultation CO2/2025

c/o Dr Helen Carter

Director of Public Health

Ministry for Health, Care and Business

Suite 971 Europort

Gibraltar

The deadline for public consultation is Tuesday 22nd April.

The Minister for Health and Care, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, said: “This Command Paper sets out one of the most forward-looking public health proposals our community has ever seen. It takes bold but necessary steps to safeguard the wellbeing of future generations, protect our environment and ensure that our young people are not drawn into harmful habits. I look forward to hearing from stakeholders, professionals and members of the public as we go through the public consultation phase of this important legislation.”