The next generation will be smoke-free as the Tobacco and Vapes Bill was granted Royal Assent on 29th April 2026. This deliveries an historic step towards a smoke-free UK and protecting people from the harms of tobacco by making it illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born on or after 1st January 2009.
Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death, responsible for around 80,000 deaths a year in the UK. It also places a significant burden on the NHS and wider economy.
The new law deliveries a core manifesto commitment of this government and its central pillar of the 10 Year Health Plan, supporting the shift from sickness to prevention and helping people live longer, healthier lives.
The act includes measures to ban the advertising and sponsorship of vapes and nicotine products. It also gives powers to strengthen smoke-free protections in certain public places.
The full press release can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/tobacco-and-vapes-bill-becomes-law This is a big step forward and the most significant public health reform in generations.