UK lawmakers have approved a new law that will ban people born after 2008 from ever legally buying cigarettes, in a major move aimed at creating a smoke-free generation.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has passed through both the House of Commons and House of Lords. Once it receives royal assent next week, it will become law.
The measure means anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 will never be allowed to buy tobacco in their lifetime, as the legal age to purchase cigarettes will rise by one year every year.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting called the decision a major step for public health.
“This is a historic moment for the nation’s health,” he said. “Prevention is better than cure. This reform will save lives, ease pressure on the NHS, and build a healthier Britain.”
He added that children would grow up “protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm”.
The new law also tightens rules on vaping. It bans the sale of vaping and nicotine products to under-18s and places limits on advertising, packaging, and in-store displays. Ministers will also be able to control vape flavours and branding.
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Officials say the aim is to reduce smoking-related deaths and stop young people from becoming addicted to nicotine. Smoking is still a major cause of preventable illness in the UK and puts heavy pressure on the National Health Service.
Baroness Gillian Merron described the bill as a major public health step, calling it “the biggest public health intervention in a generation”.
Not everyone supports the law. Lord Naseby warned it could hurt retailers and said more focus should be placed on education instead of bans.
Health groups, however, have welcomed the move. Sarah Sleet of Asthma + Lung UK said it could improve public health but stressed the need for stronger support for smokers trying to quit.
“This landmark piece of legislation will transform the nation’s health,” she said.
The bill was first introduced in 2023 and later revived by the current government. It now marks one of the biggest changes to UK tobacco policy in decades.