The United Kingdom Parliament has approved a historic law that will stop younger generations from ever legally buying cigarettes. Under the new Tobacco and Vapes Bill, anyone aged 17 or below today will never be able to purchase tobacco products once the law takes effect.
The measure is being seen as one of the strongest anti-smoking steps in the world. Instead of setting one fixed legal age, the minimum age for buying tobacco will rise by one year every year. This means those currently too young to buy cigarettes will remain permanently excluded in the future. Existing adult smokers will still be allowed to buy tobacco legally.
The bill has cleared both houses of Parliament and now awaits Royal Assent before becoming law. Once approved, it will apply across the UK.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting welcomed the decision, saying it would help create the country’s first smoke-free generation. He said the law would save lives, cut pressure on the National Health Service, and improve public health in the years ahead.
Smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in Britain, claiming thousands of lives every year. Officials believe the new legislation will reduce smoking rates among young people and protect future generations from nicotine addiction.
The bill also includes tighter rules on vaping products. The government will have powers to regulate packaging, flavours and advertising to make sure such products do not attract children. Vape-free zones could also be introduced in public spaces such as schools, playgrounds and hospitals.
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