Historic Smokefree Generation Law Will Protect 4 million Young People from Tobacco Addiction in Just 5 Years
- Royal Assent for Tobacco and Vapes Bill means children born from 2009 onwards will never legally be sold tobacco in the UK
- Ex Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who first introduced the measure to Parliament, welcomes the new law
- Around 4 million young people are expected to be protected in the first five years, with ASH saying 6 million could benefit if adult smokers are also helped to quit
- Campaigners urge ministers to seize the moment with the biggest national quit effort in a decade
Today on 29th April 2026, the UK became the first country in Europe to pass a new law to phase out the sale of tobacco to the next generation, as the Tobacco and Vapes Act received Royal Assent. This means anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 will never legally be sold tobacco. Hailed by campaigners as a major step towards a smokefree future, the measure is expected to protect around 4 million young people from tobacco sales within the next five years,[1] helping spare them from a lifetime of addiction to a product that kills around 70,000 people in England every year.
Campaigners say that this number could increase by a further 50%, to 6 million, if people who currently smoke are also targeted with support to quit.[2] Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) is now calling on ministers to seize the moment by launching a major national quit drive, backed by a comprehensive strategy to bring smoking rates down faster during this Parliament.
Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of ASH said:
“This is a truly watershed moment in public health. It is no longer a question of if smoking will end but rather a question of when. Smoking has prematurely taken millions of lives in the UK over the last 50 years. Ridding our society of the pain and suffering it causes is a gift to future generations.
“This is a moment to be seized, not only to protect the generations to come but to accelerate our support for the millions who are already smoking. Age should be no barrier to being part of a smokefree future, whether you’re 70 or 17, now is the time.”
The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, who as Prime Minister first introduced the smokefree generation policy to Parliament, said:
“I’m delighted that the smokefree generation policy which was introduced to Parliament when I was Prime Minister, is now on the statute book. This is not a party-political issue, as shown by the support from parliamentarians of all political persuasions. The bill tackles the single biggest entirely preventable cause of ill-health, disability, and death in our country. This legislation will put us on track to end smoking within a generation. It will make us a healthier country where people live longer and better lives.”
Whilst the legislation is a historic breakthrough, ASH warns that it must now be matched by urgent action to help millions of adults who still smoke to quit. By backing a major new national effort to support current smokers, the government can go further and faster, maximising the record investment it has already made in stop smoking services, and unlocking the full life-saving potential of this policy. Properly supported, ASH says this could become the biggest quit movement in a decade.
The charity is now calling on ministers to publish a comprehensive national strategy to bring smoking rates down faster in this Parliament, including a reset of ambition with a target of 2 million fewer smokers by the end of this Parliament. Added to the 4 million young people who will be protected by the Bill this would see a whopping 6 million people joining the smokefree generation. It is also urging the Government to protect current tobacco control spending, including in the NHS and on mass media campaigns, and increase investment to around £310 million a year to ensure smokers can access the practical support they need to quit.
Recent figures show that more than one million people in England quit smoking in 2025, yet millions still smoke, and many want to stop.[3] More than half of smokers say they want to quit, including more than one in five who say they really want to stop.[4]
Hazel Cheeseman added:
“While this is a landmark moment, it must not be mistaken for the end of the fight against tobacco harm. This law will help protect future generations from a lifetime of tobacco addiction, but ministers must now match that ambition with urgent action to help the millions of people who still smoke today. What is needed now is the biggest national quit push in years, backed by a serious national strategy, properly funded support and practical help that makes quitting possible for everyone who wants to stop.”
Government modelling suggests the smokefree generation policy will have a profound long-term impact. It predicts that, smoking prevalence among 14 to 30-year-olds is projected to fall from 11.2% in 2023 to effectively zero by 2050. By 2100, the policy is estimated to prevent 154,800 deaths and almost 470,000 cases of disease, including stroke, COPD, lung cancer and coronary heart disease. It is also expected to lead to around 4.4 billion fewer factory-made packs of cigarettes being sold between 2027 and 2056, while cumulative UK healthcare savings are estimated at £6.6 billion.[5]
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has broad support across health, education, enforcement and local authorities as well as young people themselves.
Emily, aged 15 from Leeds:
“I think the Tobacco and Vapes Law will help stop people my age from starting smoking or vaping in the first place. This is important because smoking is a major cause of cancer, so preventing people from starting can help reduce the number of people who get it in the future. It also means that means people will be healthier, places will be cleaner, and it’s better for the planet too. It also helps people save money because cigarettes are expensive, especially if you get addicted and end up buying a packet every day. Overall, it can help people have more money, and a better life.”
Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive of the BHF:
“This is a true landmark moment for public health. For everyone who has lost someone to a smoking related heart attack or stroke, for every clinician who has seen the toll of tobacco at the bedside, and for every young person who will now grow up free from the harms of smoking - we celebrate this historic achievement that will save lives for generations to come.”
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive officer at Cancer Research UK said:
“This is a truly historic achievement that will help to save and improve lives. With the new law in place, we are moving towards a future where children will grow up shielded from the lifelong harms of tobacco. It will mean more people living a life free from the grip of deadly addiction, fewer people facing a cancer diagnosis and less pressure on an already over stretched health service.
“Today’s milestone is the result of decades of research, overwhelming support in Parliament, tireless campaigning and backing from people whose lives have been devastated by smoking. Governments across the UK must now ensure the Act is implemented fully in every nation, alongside support to help people quit smoking. A future free from the lethal harms of tobacco is firmly within reach.”
RCPCH President, Professor Steve Turner, said:
“The Tobacco & Vapes Bill has the exact type of bold ambition and long‑term thinking that makes meaningful change for children and young people. This will help to improve child health outcomes and narrow the unacceptable health inequalities gap.
Paediatricians are thrilled to have supported this important legislation, which will reduce the unacceptable burden that tobacco and vaping places on today’s youth, and also protect future generations from the harms of nicotine addiction. I celebrate this landmark moment for child health. This is a clear signal that the wellbeing of children and young people can and should come first.”
Sarah Sleet, Chief Executive at Asthma + Lung UK, said:
“The landmark Tobacco and Vapes bill, which becomes law today, will transform the nation’s health. A smoke-free generation is one of the most significant pieces of public health legislation in decades. No longer will the tobacco industry be able to wreak havoc on the lungs of future generations.
“In addition, this new law introduces desperately needed restrictions on where vapes, cigarettes and heated tobacco products can be used. It will protect vulnerable people, including those with lung conditions, around schools and outside hospitals. Now that this historic and long-awaited moment has been reached, the government must continue to provide better support for existing smokers and hold big tobacco to account for the untold damage they have caused to our lungs.”
Professor Sanjay Agrawal, Royal College of Physicians special adviser on tobacco:
“The Tobacco and Vapes Bill receiving royal assent is a landmark moment for public health and a decisive step towards a smoke-free future.
“Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable illness and death in the UK. The damaging harms of tobacco smoking ruins lives and places significant avoidable demands on the NHS. The government’s commitment to a ‘smokefree generation’ is both bold and necessary.
“To realise the full benefits of this bill, it must be backed by sustained investment in stop smoking services for those currently smoking, strong enforcement and continued public health education.”
Helen Kirrane, Head of Policy, Campaigns and Mobilisation at Diabetes UK, said:
“This landmark step towards a smoke-free generation will help protect children from the harm smoking causes. For people living with all types of diabetes, it will help reduce the risk of them experiencing complications, such as heart attacks and strokes, leading to better health in our communities.”
Samantha Field, Senior Fellow (Prevention), Health Foundation:
Today marks a pivotal milestone in protecting future generations from nicotine addiction and the devastating long-term harms caused by tobacco. Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable premature death, disability, and ill health in the UK, with the greatest burden falling on people living in the most deprived communities.
Focus now needs to turn to strong implementation of the Bill, scaled-up enforcement capacity and continued investment in stop‑smoking support to ensure the Bill delivers its full impact.
Greg Fell OBE, President of the Association of Directors of Public Health, said:
“The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is the greatest piece of public health legislation in a generation and today’s Royal Assent is a huge landmark.
Smoking kills but by protecting our children and young people from ever becoming addicted to this lethal product, we will save thousands and thousands of lives and give the next generation the freedom to live a future where everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy life for longer.
The Bill also shifts the focus away from individual choice and treating the consequences of smoking towards preventing harm in the first place. This public health approach is absolutely key to improving the nation’s health and we hope signals a change in direction for how we tackle the negative impacts on our health that result from the consumption of a wide range of other unhealthy products, including gambling and alcohol.”
Matt Wrack, NASUWT General Secretary:
“These measures are urgently needed to uphold public health and to help end predatory marketing practices from vape manufacturers which are targeting children and young people with brightly coloured packaging and sweet flavourings.
“Teachers continue to report that vaping and the use of other nicotine products by pupils in and around schools is having a detrimental impact on young people’s behaviour and concentration in class and these further steps to restrict and deter young people from taking up smoking and vaping are therefore welcome.”
Dr Andy McEwen, Chief Executive, National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training (NCSCT):
The National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training (NCSCT) warmly congratulates ASH and other key partners on their single-minded determination to create a smokefree generation. Some of us in the field of smoking cessation remember when over a third of the population smoked. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill means that the coming years will see a huge culture change. Less smoking, more birthdays.
President of the Faculty of Public Health, Professor Tracy Daszkiewicz:
"This bill represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect communities across the UK from the immense harm caused by tobacco.
By taking this world-leading approach to tackling the harms of smoking we can prevent thousands of premature deaths, significantly reduce health inequalities, and reduce pressure on our health services.
The Faculty warmly welcomes the passage of this landmark legislation to deliver a smokefree future for communities across the UK."
Jamie Brown, Professor of Behavioural Science and Health, Director, Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group, University College London:
“This is fantastic news and likely to be the most significant public health intervention for a generation. Smoking is incredibly dangerous and still kills around 75,000 people a year in the UK. Children and young adults born after January 1 2009 will now no longer be able to buy tobacco legally. This measure will be transformative long-term but the government must remember there are still millions of adult smokers across the UK, often among the most disadvantaged in society, and we must capitalise on this moment and continue investing in UK tobacco control.”
Ailsa Rutter OBE Director of Fresh and Balance said:
“The North East has seen the largest fall in smoking over the last two decades in England, with a massive shift in social norms around smoking and thousands of people quitting for good.
“Most people who smoke would like to be able to quit or have tried before – and the great news is there are more effective ways to quit smoking in our region than ever before.
“We wholeheartedly support the smokefree generation policy and a future when our children don’t end up hooked to lethal tobacco smoking. The aim is to have a future free of the death and disease of tobacco and this is another step towards this.”
Benji Hadwell, South West Smokefree Lead:
"The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is a historic victory for public health, made possible by an overwhelming consensus across the country, including all 15 local authorities in the South West. Today is a day to celebrate that incredible collaboration. By coming together with a single voice, we have secured a landmark law that will protect our children, ease the burden on our health services, and finally bring about an end to smoking in this country."
Association of Directors of Public Health, Yorkshire and the Humber:
“Directors of Public Health across Yorkshire and the Humber welcome this historic step because it will save lives - preventing cancers, heart and lung disease and fewer families losing loved ones too soon. It gives us a genuine chance to shift the trajectory on tobacco harm in our communities for good - and we are ready to drive delivery at pace.”
Scott Crosby, Associate Director, Humber and North Yorkshire Centre for Excellence:
“Royal Assent to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is a pivotal step toward for Humber and North Yorkshire. Our region continues to experience some of the highest smoking harms in England — with rates in Hull and Northern Lincolnshire close to double the national average. This legislation will prevent addiction before it begins, protect thousands of children and help many more smokers to quit for good. Every community will benefit, but the greatest gains will be felt in the places that have carried the heaviest burden for far too long.”
Llanyrafon Primary School – Newport, South Wales:
“As a school it was an honour for us to be asked to voice the feelings of the younger generation. We were incredibly proud of all the pupils that visited the Senedd. The passion and confidence they showed when they spoke about their hopes for a smokefree future was a pleasure to witness. The learners worked hard together to make sure their messages clear. Using posters and reading speeches that that they came up with together they sent a powerful message to all those that were listening. The main message was that they as children have the right to grow up in a country, where they are protected from smoking and youth vaping. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is an important step towards creating a smokefree generation and helping ensure children growing up today are protected from the harms of nicotine addiction. The fact their message has the potential to spread further than Wales is a reminder that this is an issue that the younger generation feel strongly about.”
Dr Stuart Griffiths, Director of Research, Policy & Impact, Yorkshire Cancer Research:
“The passing of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is a landmark moment for public health and one that will save thousands of lives in Yorkshire, where smoking rates are the highest in England. Tobacco harms our most deprived communities the most, and teenagers are four times more likely to smoke if their primary caregiver does. By raising the age of sale every year until no one can legally buy tobacco, this Bill will help break that cycle. I welcome the Bill’s passing and its other measures to reduce the appeal of vaping and other tobacco products to young people, helping future generations across Yorkshire grow up healthier and free from the devastating impact of smoking. It is a transformative step toward a genuinely smokefree future.”
Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor MBE, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Health and Wellbeing Committee, said:
"This is a landmark moment for public health and will help tackle the deep health inequalities caused by smoking. The creation of a smokefree generation, preventing young people from ever starting to smoke, is one of the most effective ways to improve health outcomes and manage future pressure on our health and care services.
"Reducing the appeal of vapes to children with tighter controls on flavours, packaging and promotion, is an important step in addressing the concerning rise in youth vaping.
“The comprehensive licensing scheme for retailers selling tobacco and vape products will support councils to prevent underage sales and curb the illicit market.
"Legislation alone will not be enough to ensure these measures succeed. Councils must be properly resourced to enforce the new regulations, deliver stop smoking services, and protect communities from harmful and illegal products.”
David Thomas, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Alzheimer's Research UK, said:
“Today marks a historic step towards a smokefree generation. Smoking is one of the 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia, making this bill a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to prevent countless people from ever facing the heartbreak that dementia causes. This legislation gives real hope for future generations to be protected from a condition that devastates families every day.
“But we cannot forget the people who already smoke. They deserve accessible, effective support to quit. A ‘polluter pays’ levy on tobacco companies would ensure sustainable funding for stop-smoking services, giving everyone the best chance to protect their brain health.”
Dr Rachael England, Head of Policy and Advocacy, Oral Health Foundation
“This is a landmark moment for public health. Tobacco and nicotine continue to drive some of the most serious and preventable general and oral health conditions, including mouth cancer and gum disease. By taking decisive action now, we are not only improving health outcomes, but also reducing inequalities and protecting future generations from harm. This is exactly the kind of bold, prevention-focused policy we need to see more of.”
Siva Anandaciva, Incoming Director of Policy, Events and Partnerships at The King’s Fund said:
‘There is strong public support to move to a smokefree generation. The passing of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill would be a transformational piece of legislation for this country and is a bold and crucial step forward in preventing widespread ill-health, saving lives and reducing health inequalities.’
Mark Elliott, President of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), said:
“Environmental health professionals have a long and proud history of confronting the harms caused by tobacco. The passing of this Bill marks a significant milestone in the effort to end the undeniable damage smoking inflicts on individuals and communities and moves us closer to achieving a smoke‑free generation.
“It is also encouraging to see broad support for this legislation across Parliament and the devolved nations. A coordinated approach to implementation- supported by clear guidance and an adequate lead‑in period- will be essential to ensuring consistent, effective enforcement.
“Our members will play a central role in putting these new measures into practice, once again demonstrating the vital contribution the environmental health profession makes in protecting and improving public health.”
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of health charity, ASH Scotland, said:
“With tobacco continuing to be the biggest preventable killer of people in Scotland, causing nearly 9,000 deaths each year, we are delighted that strong measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill Act will soon become reality, as they can be truly transformative and must be implemented without delay. Everyone should have the right to breathe clean air, and this is a significant step towards eradicating the damage being inflicted by profit-centred multi-national corporations on people’s lives, especially in our poorest communities.”
Sarah Hepworth, Associate Director of the South Yorkshire Tobacco Control Alliance.
“This landmark bill is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a smokefree generation. By preventing addiction before it starts, this legislation will protect thousands of young people and help many current smokers to quit for good. Too many people in South Yorkshire still die early because of smoking. Smoking is not a choice, but an addiction that often begins in childhood and kills at least one in two long-term users. This is unacceptable. A smokefree future will save lives, reduce health inequalities, and help our region to invest in these vital services.
Notes to editors
- The Tobacco and Vapes Bill was first introduced under Rishi Sunak in 2024, following his 2023 proposal to create a “smoke-free generation” by gradually raising the legal age for tobacco sales. However, the Bill fell when Parliament was dissolved for the 2024 general election and was subsequently reintroduced by the Labour Party government in the new parliamentary session.
- Maldives was the first country globally to introduce a smokefree generation policy, which came into force in late 2025. New Zealand introduced legislation on a generational ban on tobacco sales, although the policy was later repealed when the government changed.
Funding for stop smoking services is now ringfenced in the Public Health Grant, protecting at least £150 million per year for these services and providing greater certainty and flexibility for local areas to invest in these vital services.
[1] Around 4 million children will turn 18 between 1st January 2027 and 1st January 2031. Based on ONS population estimates for 11-15 year olds in 2024: link
[2] Based on setting a target of 2 million fewer people smoking.
[3] Smoking Toolkit Study. University College London.
[4] ASH Smokefree Adult Survey 2025. Online GB survey of 13,314 adults aged 18+ conducted 10th February to 10th March 2025 by YouGov on behalf of ASH. The figures have been weighted to be representative of all adults in Great Britain. Sample size of people who currently smoke: 1,628.
[5] DHSC (2024). Tobacco & Vapes Bill. Impact Assessment. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6985eeb7cfe7ccf77efbc74e/tobacco-and-vapes-bill-impact-assessment.pdf