Lawmakers in the United Kingdom have approved sweeping new legislation that will permanently bar today’s under-18s, and all future generations, from legally purchasing tobacco products.
Under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, the legal age for buying cigarettes will increase by one year annually, starting with individuals born on or after January 1, 2009. This effectively creates a rolling ban that will prevent those affected from ever being able to buy tobacco legally.
The legislation is expected to receive royal assent in the coming days.
In addition to tobacco restrictions, the bill introduces tighter controls on vaping and nicotine products. These include prohibiting sales to minors and imposing stricter rules on advertising, product displays, promotions, and packaging. Authorities will also gain expanded powers to regulate flavours and product presentation.
The government says the measures are designed to reduce smoking rates, curb nicotine addiction among young people, and ease long-term pressure on the healthcare system.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the move as a significant milestone, stating it would help create the country’s first “smoke-free generation” while improving public health outcomes.
Official estimates indicate that smoking is responsible for tens of thousands of deaths annually in England, alongside substantial healthcare costs. Policymakers have increasingly focused on vaping in recent years amid concerns about rising youth usage, despite stable overall uptake among adults.