U.K. forever bans people born after 2008 from buying cigarettes

'This reform will save lives, ease pressure on the NHS and build a healthier Britain,' health secretary says

Published Apr 22, 2026  •  1 minute read

A woman smokes on a street in London on April 16, 2024. Photo by Kin Cheung, File /AP Photo

U.K. Parliament has passed a bill that will put cigarettes out of reach for future generations.

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Under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill passed Tuesday by British lawmakers, children born after Dec. 31, 2008, will be banned from ever buying cigarettes.

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British law already prohibits the sale of cigarettes, tobacco products or vapes to people under 18. The new legislation would mean youths will face the smoking ban their entire life, creating what legislators called “a smoke-free generation.”

The law, which is set for royal assent next week, will also allow the government to regulate tobacco, vaping and nicotine products, including flavours and packaging.

Bill’s passing lauded as ‘historic moment’

The law bans vapes and nicotine products from being advertised to children. It also expands on existing smoke-free laws, banning vaping in cars with children, in playgrounds and outside schools and at hospitals.

“This is a historic moment for the nation’s health as the tobacco and vapes bill ends its journey through parliament,” said Health Secretary Wes Streeting, per The Guardian.

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“Prevention is better than cure. This reform will save lives, ease pressure on the NHS (National Health Service) and build a healthier Britain.”

King Charles expressed his support for the measure when he spoke to the U.K. parliament two years ago.

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Smoking stats

Authorities said that smoking causes some 80,000 deaths per year in the U.K. and remains the No. 1 preventable cause of death, disability and poor health.

In 2024, 10.6% of adults aged 18 years or over (5.3 million people) were smokers, according to census data taken from a U.K. Office of National Statistics report.

The figure follows a “long-term downward trend” of smoking with the number of smokers declining in data collected in recent years, the report said.

— With files from The Associated Press.

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