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Weekly news - 17th July 2026

 

A REALLY BIG thank you to WithYou who kindly have renewed their sponsorship to DrugWise Daily.

 

In date order, Monday to Friday

Open consultation - tobacco and vapes: packaging, appearance and display

We are seeking views on proposals to regulate tobacco, vaping and nicotine products under the Tobacco and Vapes Act. The proposals cover: 1) packaging for products 2) the appearance of heated tobacco devices and vapes and 3) where shops can display these products, This consultation closes at 11:59pm on 2 October 2026 | DHSC, UK

The Cost of Smoking in Wales

This report provides a comprehensive assessment of the costs of smoking across health and social care, productivity and environmental domains, offering robust evidence to support tobacco control policies, target action where the burden is greatest, and accelerate progress towards a smoke-free Wales | PHW, UK

Cornish woman who survived domestic abuse and alcohol shares her recovery story for Alcohol Awareness Week

This Alcohol Awareness Week (6 - 12 July), a woman from Cornwall is sharing her journey to recovery to encourage others to seek support, as local drug, alcohol and mental health charity WithYou highlights the importance of reaching out | WithYou, UK

Addiction in the United Kingdom: Report launch event at the House of Lords

On July 7th, I was delighted to chair an event in the House of Lords to launch the first edition of what we hope will become a regular report on ‘Addiction in the United Kingdom’. This publication aims to bring together in one place all the available data and evidence on this subject, and an analysis of government and community efforts to respond | Forward Trust, UK

The UK and the EU Drugs Agency sign a Working Arrangement

The UK government and the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) signed a Working Arrangement, on 13 July, that will strengthen both the UK and EU’s ability to protect public health, identify dangerous substances earlier and reduce the harms caused by illicit drugs | Department of Health and Social Care, Home Office, Sharon Hodgson MP and The Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood MP, UK

UK’s alcohol-free beer boom threatened by regulations, trade body warns

Pubs and brewers are being prevented from capitalising on Britons’ record-breaking thirst for alcohol-free beer because of over-strict regulation, a trade body has warned. More than 64m pints of low- and no-alcohol beer is forecast to be sold over the summer, an increase of 8m compared with 2025, the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said, citing the figures as proof that the category is “not just a fad” | Guardian, UK

The UK is drinking differently. Now we need to go further

In June, Drinkaware launched its new five year strategy. Our Director of Research, Strategy and Impact, Annabelle Bonus, outlines why accelerating the shift towards moderation is essential to reducing alcohol harm | Drinkaware, UK

Valuing People, Creating Connections : Launching Our Strategy for 2026–2029

For almost 60 years, Phoenix has stood alongside people experiencing drug and alcohol dependency, poor mental health, trauma, homelessness, poverty, social exclusion, and contact with the criminal justice system. Throughout that time, one thing has remained constant: our belief in people’s potential to change | Phoenix Futures, UK

What Is Open Houses?

Open Houses is a national campaign in England to improve access to residential treatment services. We are extending an invitation to visit rehab centres and see recovery in action. It’s an opportunity for commissioners, clinicians, policymakers, partner organisations and anyone else with an interest to meet those who live and work in rehab, and understand the role it plays in supporting recovery, families and communities. Plan your visit here | Open Houses, UK

UK's first harm reduction city will support drug users

Bristol has been declared the first official city of harm reduction after councillors voted to focus on "supporting drug users rather than punishing" them | BBC, UK

More smokers are buying tobacco from illicit sources

The proportion of UK smokers purchasing any cigarettes or tobacco from illicit sources has almost doubled since 2023, according to a new study led by UCL researchers | UCL, UK

Banning the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children

Following a 12-week public consultation, the government has confirmed that it will ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children aged under 16 in England. The ban will apply to drinks, other than tea or coffee, containing more than 150 milligrams of caffeine per litre. It will cover all retailers, including shops, restaurants, cafes and online sellers. Sales from all vending machines will also be banned | DHSC, UK [Press release here]