UK approves landmark law to create ‘Smoke-Free Generation’

Smoking causes around 64,000 deaths and 400,000 hospital admissions annually in England.

LONDON: In a historic move, the United Kingdom(UK) has approved sweeping new anti-smoking legislation that will prevent anyone currently aged 17 or younger as well as future generations from ever legally purchasing cigarettes.

The new Tobacco and Vapes Bill introduces a rolling age restriction, increasing the legal age for buying tobacco by one year, every year, starting with individuals born on or after January 1, 2009 effectively imposing a lifetime ban on smoking for affected groups.

The law, expected to receive royal assent next week, also brings stricter controls on vaping. These include banning the sale of vaping and nicotine products to under-18s, along with tighter regulations on advertising, product displays, free samples, and discount promotions.

The government says the measures aim to curb smoking rates, prevent nicotine addiction among young people, and reduce long-term pressure on the National Health Service.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the development as a “historic moment” for public health, stating that children in the UK will become part of the first smoke-free generation, protected from lifelong addiction and harm.

According to official estimates, smoking causes around 64,000 deaths and 400,000 hospital admissions annually in England, costing the NHS approximately £3 billion each year, with broader economic impacts exceeding £20 billion.

The legislation also tightens oversight of vaping, which has become a growing concern among policymakers due to rising use among youth.

Following last year’s ban on disposable vapes, the government will now have powers to regulate product flavours and packaging.

Data from Action on Smoking and Health shows that around 10% of adults in Great Britain roughly 5.5 million people use vapes, with usage levels stabilizing since 2024.

About half of vape users are former smokers, while approximately 40% continue to smoke alongside vaping.