UK Tobacco Act Gains Royal Assent for Smokefree Generation

The United Kingdom's Tobacco and Vapes Act received Royal Assent on April 29, becoming law and establishing the country's first smokefree generation by prohibiting tobacco sales to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009.

The legislation, introduced by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in October 2023 and advanced by the current Labour government, raises the legal age for purchasing tobacco products by one year annually. This creates a lifelong ban for the targeted cohort, regardless of their age at the time of attempted purchase. Sales to this group will become illegal starting in 2027, with retailers required to update age verification processes each year. The Act also imposes restrictions on vaping and nicotine products, including bans on advertising and sponsorship, and grants ministers powers to regulate flavors, packaging, branding, instore displays, and merchandising.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the law as a turning point for the nation's health, stating it ends the cycle of tobacco addiction for future generations while providing support for current smokers to quit. Government modeling projects that the number of smokers aged 14 and over will decline from...