Tobacco and Vapes Bill becomes law

The Tobacco and Vapes has been granted Royal Assent, aiming to create a smoke-free generation.

The law will make it illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009.   

Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death, responsible for around 80,000 deaths a year in the UK and a major driver of cancer, heart disease and stroke, placing significant burden on the NHS.

The act also includes measures to ban the advertising and sponsorship of vapes and nicotine products, as well as powers to restrict their packaging, branding and displays that are designed to appeal to children.  

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, said: "This legislation marks a turning point for the nation’s health. By ending the cycle of tobacco addiction for future generations, we are taking one of the boldest steps in decades to prevent illness before it even begins. 

"For too long, smoking has claimed lives, widened inequalities, and placed avoidable pressure on our health services. This law changes that trajectory - protecting young people from ever starting, while backing current smokers with the support they need to quit for good. 

"A smoke-free generation is now within reach, and this government is determined to deliver a healthier, fairer future for everyone."

Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Sir Chris Whitty, said: "Smoking causes serious harm across the life course and remains a major cause of diseases including lung diseases, heart disease, stroke, bad pregnancy outcomes and premature death. 

"Second-hand smoke is also extremely dangerous, particularly for children, pregnant women and people with medical conditions.   

"Cigarettes take choice away by addicting people and most smokers wish they had never started but are trapped.  

"Marketing vapes at children is utterly unacceptable and this act takes powers to restrict it."