Liverpool City Council has reaffirmed its position as a national leader in public health by signing the Pledge for a Smokefree UK, committing to reduce smoking prevalence in the city to below 1% by 2040.
The announcement was made by Council Leader Cllr Liam Robinson at the May Cabinet meeting, where he also welcomed the Tobacco and Vapes Act becoming law, describing it as a “once in a generation opportunity” to protect future generations from the harms of smoking.
The new legislation introduces sweeping changes to tobacco control across the UK.
From January 2027, anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 will never be legally sold tobacco products, creating the UK’s first “smoke‑free generation”.
The law also introduces stricter controls on vape advertising and access for young people, and includes provisions — subject to consultation — to expand smokefree public spaces.
Liverpool City Council said the new legislation aligns with its ambition to accelerate progress and drive down smoking rates even further.
Liverpool already has a strong track record in tobacco control, with smoking rates declining faster than both the North West average and the national figure.
This progress has been driven through a comprehensive local tobacco control strategy that combines prevention, support and enforcement.
In the past year alone, 3,644 smokers in Liverpool were supported to quit through the council’s Smoke Free Liverpool service, helping to reduce smoking‑related harm and improve public health outcomes.
The council has been at the forefront of introducing smokefree environments, aiming to reduce exposure to second‑hand smoke and discourage smoking uptake.
Initiatives include promoting smokefree homes, playgrounds, public pavements and sports pitch sidelines, helping to reshape social norms around smoking and protect children and vulnerable people.
This work has already been recognised nationally, with the programme shortlisted for the Local Government Chronicle Public Health Intervention of the Year Award.
Enforcement activity continues to play a key role in Liverpool’s approach.
In 2025/26, the council’s Public Protection Alcohol and Tobacco Unit confiscated 536,668 illicit cigarettes, with an estimated face value of over £161,000.
Efforts to tackle underage vaping have also delivered significant results. Between 2023 and 2025, more than 250 test purchases were carried out, with attempted sales to minors falling sharply from 31% to 10% over the two‑year period.
Council leaders say these enforcement measures are critical to protecting young people and ensuring compliance with the law.
Despite progress, smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death, disease and health inequality in Liverpool.
The council warned that smoking rates are often highest in the most disadvantaged communities, contributing to wider inequalities in life expectancy and long‑term health outcomes.
Signing the Smokefree UK Pledge signals a renewed commitment to tackling these inequalities and accelerating progress.
By joining the Smokefree Action Coalition’s pledge, Liverpool City Council has committed to:
- Driving down smoking prevalence to under 1% by 2040
- Expanding access to stop smoking support
- Strengthening prevention and enforcement activity
- Creating healthier environments across communities
By reducing smoking, Liverpool aims to:
- Improve quality of life for residents
- Reduce pressure on the NHS
- Narrow health inequalities
- Support long‑term economic and social wellbeing
Cllr Liam Robinson said:
“By signing this pledge, we are committing to go further and faster.
“This will help ensure a future where no one in Liverpool is harmed by smoking and where our children are protected from the harms it brings.”
With sustained investment, targeted interventions and community engagement, Liverpool leaders said they are committed to creating a future where smoking is no longer a defining public health issue.
Image credit: iStock
