New legislation passed by Parliament means those aged 17 or younger will never be able to purchase or smoke cigarettes.

The final version of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill received approval from both parliamentary chambers, establishing that individuals born after January 1, 2009, will never be permitted to smoke.

The legislation makes it unlawful for retailers to supply tobacco products to anyone born after 2008, establishing what supporters call a smoke-free generation.

Once royal assent is obtained, government officials will also gain authority to impose regulations on tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products.

Legislation advances in UK to establish smoke-free generation

The proposals include prohibitions on vaping in vehicles carrying minors, within playground areas, near educational institutions, and on hospital grounds.

An exception exists for vaping outside hospital premises to assist individuals attempting to quit the habit.

The proposals do not extend to beer gardens or other outdoor areas including coastal stretches and public parks.

Private residences remain unaffected, with smoking and vaping permitted indoors.

Upon enactment, the United Kingdom becomes the world’s second nation, alongside the Maldives, to implement a generational smoking prohibition.

Within Britain, approximately 80,000 annual fatalities are attributed to smoking, which elevates susceptibility to conditions including cardiovascular disease, cerebral vascular incidents, respiratory ailments, and cognitive decline.

The habit places substantial strain on the National Health Service, consuming roughly £3.1 billion annually of public funds and accounting for in excess of 75,000 general practitioner consultations monthly.

The Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, described the measure as a pivotal moment for public health in Britain.

He stated: “Prevention is better than cure – this reform will save lives, ease pressure on the NHS, and build a healthier Britain.