Photo Credit; Getty Images
The UK Parliament has passed the "landmark" Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which implements a lifelong ban on cigarette sales for anyone born after 2008. Both the House of Commons and the House of Lords have approved the final draft, making it illegal for retailers to sell tobacco to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009. The legislation is designed to ensure that children currently aged 17 or younger never legally reach the age where they can purchase tobacco.
When it gets royal assent, ministers will also have new powers to regulate tobacco, vaping and nicotine products, including their flavours and packaging.
It is part of a series of measures aimed at tackling the health effects of smoking, one of the UK's leading causes of preventable death, disability and ill health.
Vaping will be banned in cars carrying children, in playgrounds and outside schools and at hospitals, expanding smoke-free laws.
Vaping would still be allowed outside hospitals in a bid to support those trying to quit.
Outdoor hospitality venues like pub gardens and wider open spaces such as beaches and private outdoor spaces are not included in the plans.
People will also be able to continue smoking and vaping in their homes.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, called it an historic moment for the nation's health, adding: "Prevention is better than cure – this reform will save lives, ease pressure on the NHS, and build a healthier Britain."
Health minister Baroness Merron told the Lords on Monday: "It is, in fact, the biggest public health intervention in a generation and I can assure all noble Lords it will save lives."
