Ban to come into force soon across all four UK nations | UK | News

May 11, 2026 2,704

British Chief Medical Officer for England Chris Whitty

New law will protect children from smoking and vaping (Image: Getty )

Need to know: UK set for first smoke-free generation with new tobacco and vapes bill

The UK’s Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 received Royal Assent, officially becoming law. The legislation, effective from January 2027, applies across all four nations of the UK – England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – and prohibits the sale of tobacco to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009.
This groundbreaking move aims to prevent future generations from the harms of smoking. The habit causes about 80,000 deaths each year in the UK.

Sharing the news at the time, Sir Chris Whitty said: “The Tobacco and Vapes Act has now received Royal Assent and becomes law.” He added: “This Act, which has wide public support, will create a smoke-free generation.”

The bill also includes stringent measures against the marketing of vapes to children and bans smoking around schools, playgrounds and hospitals. Retailers will also have to register under a new system for selling tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products in the UK.

YouGov polling shows 64% of the population want smoking banned or phased out, with only 22% opposing the measures. Christ Whitty said: “There is strong support for stopping smoking from every age group, area of the country and social group.”

Health officials and organisations like Cancer Research UK have hailed the legislation as a historic achievement that will save lives and reduce health disparities. In addition to this law, the government is investing heavily in helping the 5.3 million smokers in the UK quit, including providing substantial funding to local services that support quitting.

READ THE FULL STORY: Major UK ban hailed ‘historic’ as Sir Chris Whitty issues new law alert

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