UK lawmakers approve lifetime smoking ban for those now aged 17 and under

LONDON: British lawmakers have approved legislation that will permanently bar children who are now aged 17 or younger, as well as those born in the future, from legally purchasing cigarettes.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill increases the legal age for buying tobacco by one year every year, beginning with people born on or after January 1, 2009. As a result, those covered by the measure will face a lifelong prohibition on buying tobacco products.

The legislation is expected to receive royal assent next week. It also introduces stricter rules on vaping, including a ban on the sale of vaping and nicotine products to people under 18. In addition, it places limits on advertising, product displays, free giveaways and discounting.

The government has said the steps are intended to cut smoking rates and stop young people from developing nicotine addiction, while also reducing long-term strain on the National Health Service.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the passage of the bill as a major milestone for public health in the country.

"Children in the UK will be part of the first smoke-free generation, protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm", he said.

"Prevention is better than cure — this reform will save lives, ease pressure on the NHS, and build a healthier Britain", he added.

According to official estimates cited in the report, smoking is responsible for around 64,000 deaths and 400,000 hospital admissions each year in England. It also costs the NHS about 3 billion pounds annually, while the broader economic impact exceeds 20 billion pounds.

Tighter controls on vaping

Vaping has also drawn increased attention from policymakers, particularly because of concerns over rising use among young people and nicotine dependence.

Last year, the government prohibited the sale of single-use or disposable vapes, citing concerns related to youth uptake and environmental harm.

Under the new law, ministers will also be given powers to regulate the flavours and packaging of tobacco, vaping and nicotine products through secondary legislation.

Figures from health charity Action on Smoking and Health show that about 10% of adults in Great Britain, or an estimated 5.5 million people, use vapes. The charity said those levels have remained broadly unchanged since 2024, indicating that previous growth may have started to level off.

The same charity said about half of those who vape are former smokers, while roughly 40% continue to smoke as well as vape.

The bill marks a further tightening of Britain’s tobacco and vaping rules as the government moves to curb smoking and youth nicotine use through long-term legal restrictions.