26 April 2026
Future generations will now be saved from the harms of smoking as the Tobacco and Vapes Bill becomes law.
The Bill has been granted Royal Assent, delivering a historic step towards a smoke-free UK and protecting people from the harms of tobacco by making it illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009.
This world-leading legislation means today's children will never legally be sold cigarettes, breaking the cycle of addiction and disadvantage that has persisted for decades.
Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death, responsible for around 80,000 deaths a year in the UK, and is a major driver of cancer, heart disease and stroke. It also places a significant burden on the NHS and wider economy.
The new law delivers a core manifesto commitment of this Government and is a central pillar of the 10 Year Health Plan, supporting the shift from sickness to prevention and helping people live longer, healthier lives.
It also helps tackles the challenge of youth vaping, protecting future generations from the risks of nicotine addiction, while still enabling vapes to be accessible and effective to adult smokers seeking to quit.
The Act 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.
It gives powers to strengthen smoke-free protections in certain public places, particularly to protect children and medically vulnerable people from second-hand smoke.
On 13 February 2026, the Government launched a consultation on proposals to extend existing indoor smoke-free places to certain outdoor settings and to introduce new heated tobacco and vape free places.
In addition, the law introduces stronger enforcement powers, including the ability to implement a retail licensing scheme and tackle illicit tobacco and vape sales. These measures will help ensure responsible retailing and prevent rogue traders from profiting from addiction.
Alongside this legislation, the Government is investing in record levels of support to help the UK's 5.3 million smokers quit, including providing record levels of funding for local stop smoking services.
Three-quarters of smokers say they wish they had never started. By helping people quit and preventing future generations from starting, this legislation will reduce health inequalities, improve quality of life and deliver long-term benefits for society.
By tackling the root causes of ill health, the Tobacco and Vapes Act will ease pressure on the NHS, support economic growth, and help build a healthier, smoke-free future for the country.
(Source: Department of Health and Social Care)
Read the full story on the GOV.UK website.