UK clears landmark bill banning tobacco sales to anyone born after 2008

Solen Le Net
Tue, 21 Apr 2026 20:23:46 +0000

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has successfully passed through Parliament today, marking a watershed moment in British public health policy.

Under the landmark legislation, individuals born on or after January 1, 2009 will be permanently prohibited from legally purchasing tobacco products anywhere in the United Kingdom.

Ministers anticipate this measure will ultimately phase out tobacco sales entirely, breaking cycles of addiction that have plagued generations.

The bill's passage through the House of Lords, which approved amendments previously made by MPs in the Commons, concludes a parliamentary journey that commenced when the legislation was first introduced on November 5, 2024.

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Health Secretary Wes Streeting hailed the bill's passage as "a historic moment for the nation's health".

"Children in the UK will be part of the first smoke-free generation, protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm," he declared.

The Health Secretary emphasised "prevention is better than cure", adding "this reform will save lives, ease pressure on the NHS, and build a healthier Britain".

Royal assent is expected next week, at which point the bill will formally become law.

The legislation grants ministers enhanced powers to strengthen existing restrictions on smoking in public spaces, extending prohibitions to areas frequented by young people.

Smoking bans will now extend to children's playgrounds, as well as areas outside schools and hospitals.

The toll of tobacco on the nation remains staggering, with 400,000 hospital admissions and 64,000 deaths attributed to smoking each year in England alone.

Treatment for tobacco-related conditions such as cancer and heart disease costs the NHS approximately £3billion annually.

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The broader economic burden proves even more substantial, with total societal costs estimated between £21.3billion and £27.6billion yearly in England, predominantly through diminished productivity.

These figures underscore why ministers view the legislation as essential to reducing pressure on public services.

Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health, described the moment as "a decisive turning point for public health", declaring "the end of smoking, and the devastating harm it causes, is no longer uncertain – it's inevitable".

Sarah Sleet, of Asthma and Lung UK, praised the "landmark piece of legislation", stating "a smoke-free future means the tobacco industry will no longer be able to wreak havoc on the lungs of the next generation".

However, vaping industry representatives expressed reservations about potential unintended consequences.

Richard Begg, from VPZ The Vaping Specialist, warned "overly restrictive measures, particularly on flavours and product availability, could unintentionally drive former smokers back to tobacco or into unregulated markets".