LONDON: UK lawmakers have passed a major public health law that will effectively ban smoking for anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, creating what officials describe as the countryās first āsmoke-free generation.ā Under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, the legal age to buy tobacco will increase by one year every year, meaning younger generations will never become legally eligible to purchase cigarettes. The legislation has now been approved by Parliament and is expected to receive royal assent next week.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting called the move a āhistoric moment,ā saying it would protect children from nicotine addiction and long-term health damage. āPrevention is better than cure ā this reform will save lives, ease pressure on the NHS, and build a healthier Britain,ā he said.
The government estimates smoking is responsible for around 64,000 deaths and 400,000 hospital admissions annually in England, costing the NHS roughly Ā£3 billion each year. Alongside the smoking restrictions, the law introduces stricter controls on vaping and nicotine products. It strengthens limits on sales to under-18s and gives authorities new powers to regulate packaging, flavours, advertising, and promotions.
Disposable vapes were already banned last year due to concerns over youth usage and environmental harm. While around 10% of adults in Great Britain use vapes, health data suggests usage has begun to stabilise after rapid growth in recent years. Officials say the combined measures aim to curb nicotine addiction and reduce long-term public health costs.
