People who are now 17 or younger in the UK will never be able to buy tobacco, as a new bill approved by Parliament will prevent those born on or after January 1, 2009 from purchasing tobacco products for life. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, introduced by Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting in 2024, aims to create a “smoke-free generation” by protecting public health and reducing smoking-related harm. The bill, set to receive royal assent next week, will also give ministers new powers to regulate tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products, including banning branding and advertising to children, and expanding smoke-free zones across the country.
Why It Matters
The new legislation marks a significant step towards reducing smoking-related illnesses and deaths in the UK, with smoking currently leading to 400,000 hospital admissions and 64,000 deaths annually in England alone. By preventing young people from accessing tobacco, the government hopes to save lives, lessen the burden on the healthcare system, and build a healthier future for the country. The bill’s passage represents a major public health intervention and a crucial move towards a smoke-free future for the next generation.
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