Both Houses of the British Parliament have passed a landmark bill that will prevent anyone aged 17 and below from ever legally buying cigarettes in their lifetime.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill targets individuals born on or after 1 January 2009, effectively aiming to create a smoke-free generation by ensuring they are never able to purchase tobacco products once the law takes full effect.
UK Health Minister Wes Streeting described the move as a “historic moment for the nation’s health”, saying it will help protect future generations from addiction and smoking-related harm.
Once the bill receives royal assent and becomes law, the government will gain new powers to expand smoking restrictions. This includes extending indoor smoking bans to outdoor areas such as playgrounds, school entrances, and hospital grounds.
The legislation will also allow tighter control over vape products, including restrictions on flavours and packaging, as well as a potential ban on vaping in areas where smoking is already prohibited.
Public health groups have welcomed the decision. Hazel Cheeseman, director of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), called it a “decisive turning point for public health”, highlighting its long-term impact on reducing smoking rates.
The bill forms part of wider government efforts to strengthen preventative healthcare and reduce pressure on the National Health Service (NHS), which faces significant costs linked to smoking-related illnesses.
England currently records around 75,000 smoking-related deaths each year, with tobacco estimated to contribute to roughly one in four deaths, according to NHS data.
