UK Parliament Approves Tobacco and Vapes Bill Banning Cigarette Purchases for Those Born After 2008

LONDON - The Tobacco and Vapes Bill cleared Parliament 27 minutes ago, marking a significant step in UK public health policy. Both the Commons and Lords have settled on a final draft of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will impose a lifelong ban on buying cigarettes for children aged 17 or younger.

The legislation aims to stop anyone born after 1 January 2009 from taking up smoking. It seeks to create a smoke-free generation by preventing future generations from legally purchasing tobacco products. Upon royal assent, ministers will have new powers to regulate tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products, including their flavours and packaging.

Smoking remains one of the UK's leading causes of preventable death, disability, and ill health, and the bill addresses these health impacts through targeted restrictions.

Vaping will be banned in cars carrying children, in playgrounds and outside schools and at hospitals, expanding smoke-free laws. Vaping would still be allowed outside hospitals. Outdoor hospitality venues like pub gardens are not included in the vaping ban plans.

Wider open spaces such as beaches are not included in the vaping ban plans. Private outdoor spaces are not included in the vaping ban plans. People will be able to continue smoking and vaping in their homes under the legislation.

A health minister told the Lords on Monday: "This afternoon marks the end of this Bill's journey throughout Parliament. "It is a landmark Bill, it will create a smoke-free generation. " A Conservative former MP said the Tobacco and Vapes Bill "does upset a great many people in that industry", including retailers.