London, United Kingdom. Britain has approved new restrictions that will prevent people aged 17 or younger, and anyone born in the future, from ever legally buying cigarettes. The changes are contained in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
Lifetime ban through annual age increase
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill raises the legal age for buying tobacco by one year every year, starting with people born on or after January 1, 2009, meaning affected age groups face a lifetime ban. The law is due to receive royal assent next week.
New controls on vaping products
The legislation also tightens controls on vaping, including banning sales of vaping and nicotine products to under-18s and restricting advertising, displays, free distribution and discounting.
Government and health secretary statements
The government said the measures will help reduce smoking and prevent young people from becoming addicted to nicotine, easing long-term pressure on the National Health Service. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the approval of the bill was a historic moment for the nation’s health and that children in the UK would be part of the first smoke-free generation.
Health and economic impacts cited
Smoking causes about 64,000 deaths and 400,000 hospital admissions a year in England, according to official estimates, and costs the NHS around 3 billion pounds annually, with wider economic costs exceeding 20 billion pounds.
Previous action on disposable vapes
The government banned the sale of single-use or disposable vapes last year over concerns about youth use and environmental damage.
How do you think the new tobacco and vaping restrictions will affect public health in the UK?
