New Smoking Ban for Young People
Children aged 17 or younger will face a lifelong prohibition on purchasing cigarettes as the Tobacco and Vapes Bill has successfully passed through Parliament.
Both the House of Commons and the House of Lords have agreed on the final version of this "landmark" legislation, which aims to prevent anyone born after 1 January 2009 from starting to smoke, thereby establishing a smoke-free generation.
Expanded Regulatory Powers
Once the bill receives royal assent, government ministers will gain new authority to regulate tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products, including aspects such as their flavours and packaging.
This legislation is part of a broader set of initiatives designed to address the health consequences of smoking, which remains one of the UK's leading causes of preventable death, disability, and ill health.
Restrictions on Vaping
The bill also introduces bans on vaping in cars carrying children, in playgrounds, outside schools, and at hospitals, thereby extending existing smoke-free laws.
However, vaping will still be permitted outside hospital premises to support individuals attempting to quit smoking.
Outdoor hospitality venues such as pub gardens, as well as larger open spaces like beaches and private outdoor areas, are not included in these restrictions.
Additionally, individuals will retain the right to smoke and vape within their own homes.
Statements from Officials
Health Minister Baroness Merron addressed the House of Lords on Monday, stating:
"This afternoon marks the end of this Bill's journey throughout Parliament. It is a landmark Bill, it will create a smoke-free generation. It is, in fact, the biggest public health intervention in a generation and I can assure all noble Lords it will save lives."
Lord Naseby, a Conservative former Member of Parliament, commented that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill "does upset a great many people in that industry," including retailers.
"What we really need is a proper understanding of how we educate people not to take up smoking."
In response to Lord Naseby, Lady Merron said:
"I can overall assure Lord Naseby, as I've done on a number of occasions, about how closely we have worked with retailers, and we will continue to do so."
