Future generations across the UK will be protected from the harms of smoking after the Tobacco and Vapes Bill received Royal Assent today, marking a historic step towards a smoke‑free nation.
Under the new law, it will be illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009, meaning today’s children will never legally be sold cigarettes. The measure is designed to break the cycle of addiction and health inequality that has persisted for decades.
Smoking remains the UK’s leading preventable cause of death, responsible for around 80,000 deaths every year and a major contributor to cancer, heart disease and stroke.
It also places significant strain on the NHS and the wider economy, with long‑term costs driven by preventable illness and lost productivity. Ministers said the new law directly addresses these challenges by shifting focus from treatment to prevention.
The Tobacco and Vapes Act delivers a core manifesto commitment and is a central pillar of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, supporting the ambition to help people live longer, healthier lives.
By preventing people from starting smoking in the first place, whilst also expanding support for those who want to quit, the legislation aims to reduce health inequalities and improve quality of life across communities.
Alongside tackling smoking, the law introduces new measures to protect young people from the risks of nicotine addiction through vaping.
While vapes will remain accessible and effective for adult smokers trying to quit, the Act includes powers to:
- Ban the advertising and sponsorship of vapes and nicotine products
- Restrict packaging, branding and displays designed to appeal to children
- Introduce vape‑free and heated tobacco‑free spaces
The government has also launched a consultation on extending smoke‑free rules in certain outdoor settings, particularly to protect children and medically vulnerable people from second‑hand exposure.
The Act introduces tougher enforcement powers, including the ability to implement a retail licensing scheme and strengthen action against illicit tobacco and vape sales.
These measures are intended to support responsible retailers and prevent rogue traders from profiting from addiction by supplying illegal or underage products.
Alongside the new restrictions, the government is investing in record levels of support to help the UK’s 5.3 million smokers quit.
This includes increased funding for local stop smoking services, recognising that three‑quarters of smokers say they wish they had never started.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting said:
“This legislation marks a turning point for the nation’s health. By ending the cycle of tobacco addiction for future generations, we are taking one of the boldest steps in decades to prevent illness before it even begins.
“For too long, smoking has claimed lives, widened inequalities, and placed avoidable pressure on our health services. This law changes that trajectory - protecting young people from ever starting, while backing current smokers with the support they need to quit for good.
“A smoke-free generation is now within reach, and this government is determined to deliver a healthier, fairer future for everyone.”
By addressing the root causes of preventable illness, the Tobacco and Vapes Act is expected to:
- Ease pressure on the NHS
- Reduce smoking‑related inequalities
- Support economic growth by improving population health
- Build a healthier, smoke‑free future for the UK
The Local Government Association has responded to this news, with Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor MBE, Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Committee, commenting:
"This is a landmark moment for public health and will help tackle the deep health inequalities caused by smoking. The creation of a smokefree generation, preventing young people from ever starting to smoke, is one of the most effective ways to improve health outcomes and manage future pressure on our health and care services.
"Reducing the appeal of vapes to children with tighter controls on flavours, packaging and promotion, is an important step in addressing the concerning rise in youth vaping.
“The comprehensive licensing scheme for retailers selling tobacco and vape products will support councils to prevent underage sales and curb the illicit market.
"Legislation alone will not be enough to ensure these measures succeed. Councils must be properly resourced to enforce the new regulations, deliver stop smoking services, and protect communities from harmful and illegal products.”
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