The UK government has passed a historic smoking ban that will prohibit the sale of tobacco to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, aiming to create the country's first smoke-free generation.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which has cleared Parliament, will gradually raise the legal age for buying tobacco products each year starting in 2027. This means that anyone turning 18 after that date will never be legally able to purchase cigarettes.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the legislation as a preventative measure that will save lives and ease pressure on the NHS. Health minister Baroness Merron called it "the biggest public health intervention in a generation."
In addition to the smoking ban, the bill also restricts vaping in cars with children, playgrounds, outside schools, and hospitals. However, vaping will still be allowed in pub gardens, beaches, and private outdoor spaces.
Smoking remains one of the UK's leading causes of preventable death and disability, and the government hopes this legislation will significantly reduce smoking rates among future generations.