Controversial Tobacco Ban Raises Concerns Over Possible £9 Billion Loss and Black Market Surge

An expert warned that the loss will outweigh what smokers cost the NHS currently, leading to higher tax, as the tobacco industry calls it ‘disproportionate.’

A woman is seen smoking a cigarette in central London on June 9, 2022. Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images

The proposed tobacco ban by the UK government is facing intense scrutiny as concerns mount over potential economic fallout after a free market think tank issued a stark warning today, predicting a substantial £9 billion annual loss if the ban comes into effect.

During his address to the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester in October, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced measures to raise the smoking age annually and restrict the availability of vapes to children.