The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, now agreed by both Houses, will create a ‘smoke-free generation’ by banning anyone born on or after January 1, 2009 from buying cigarettes for life, with royal assent the next step.

Parliament has passed the bill, establishing a lifelong prohibition on purchasing cigarettes for individuals born on or after 2009, effectively ending new smoking uptake.

The legislation grants ministers new powers to regulate tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products, including controls on flavours and packaging, and expands smoke-free rules to exclude vaping in cars with children, playgrounds, schools, and hospitals while allowing vaping outside hospitals to aid quitting.

In addition to the age ban, ministers receive regulatory authority over tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products, with measures on flavours and packaging.

Health Minister Baroness Merron called the bill a landmark public health intervention expected to save lives and end the current generation’s uptake of smoking.

She stressed that this is the biggest public health intervention of a generation and will significantly reduce smoking initiation and support cessation.

Baroness Merron said the government has engaged with retailers and will continue to do so during implementation.

Some stakeholders acknowledged retailer impacts; Lord Naseby urged better public education to deter smoking, while Lady Merron pledged ongoing collaboration with retailers during rollout.

There is recognition of industry impact, with a call for effective education to prevent uptake alongside sustained retailer engagement.

Industry voices welcomed elements like a retail licensing scheme and age restrictions for nicotine pouches, while pushing for a cap on nicotine strength (proposed at 20mg) to prevent dangerous products.

The final draft of the legislation has been agreed by both Houses and awaits royal assent to become law.

The overarching aim is to reduce smoking initiation and protect future generations through tighter regulation and public health measures.