The United Kingdom has taken a historic step toward eliminating smoking after Parliament passed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, a piece of legislation set to create a “smoke-free generation.”
Under the new law, children born on or after January 1, 2009, will never be legally allowed to purchase cigarettes. The measure is designed to ensure that those currently aged 17 or younger are permanently prevented from taking up smoking.
The Bill has now cleared both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, with lawmakers agreeing on its final version. It now awaits royal assent before becoming law.
In addition to restricting cigarette sales, the legislation grants ministers broader powers to regulate tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products. These include controls over product flavours, packaging, and marketing, aimed at reducing their appeal to young people.
Speaking in the House of Lords, Health Minister Baroness Merron described the development as a major milestone in public health policy.
“This afternoon marks the end of this Bill’s journey throughout Parliament,” she said. “It is a landmark Bill; it will create a smoke-free generation.”
The government hopes the move will significantly reduce smoking rates in the long term and protect future generations from the health risks associated with tobacco use.
