Our nanny state has been doing everything in its power to crack down on all things potentially harmful, even if enjoyable, to save Britons from themselves. The Tories kicked it off with the generational smoking ban, then moved on to banning disposable vapes, and Labour has gone further with reports of banning smoking outdoors and in pub gardens. Now it looks like nicotine pouches could be next…

Guido hears whispers that ministers are in talks with the Department of Health and Social Care to ban nicotine pouches like the brands Nordic Spirit and Zyn. These products not only help smokers wean off cigarettes and vapes but also represent an industry estimated to be worth around $268.4 million in the UK. Guido contacted the DHSC for a comment, to which a spokesman said:

“The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will be the biggest public health intervention in a generation, improving healthy life expectancy and reducing the number of lives lost to the biggest killers. Alongside introducing a progressive smoking ban to ensure the next generation can never legally be sold tobacco, the Bill will also stop vapes and other consumer nicotine products, including pouches, from being deliberately branded and advertised to appeal to children. Together these measures will help stop the next generation from becoming hooked on nicotine.”

A non-denial…