Britain bans smoking for people born after 2008
Photo: vapes are also subject to the ban (Getty Images)
The UK Parliament has passed a law banning the sale of tobacco to people born after January 1, 2009, according to The Guardian.
What the law prohibits
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has passed all stages in both houses of Parliament. After receiving royal assent next week, it will become law.
The legislation stipulates that anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, will never be legally able to purchase tobacco products in the United Kingdom.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting called it a “historic moment for the nation’s health.”
“Children in the UK will be part of the first smoke-free generation, protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm,” he said.
Expansion of smoking bans in public places
The law also gives ministers the power to strengthen existing smoking bans in public places. From now on, it will extend to playgrounds, school grounds, and hospital areas.
Reaction from public organizations
Hazel Cheeseman, CEO of the organization Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), called it a “decisive turning point for public health.”
“The end of smoking, and the devastating harm it causes, is no longer uncertain – it’s inevitable,” she said.
Sarah Sleet, CEO of the charity Asthma and Lung UK, added that a smoke-free future means the tobacco industry will no longer be able to harm the lungs of the next generation.
Regarding vaping
The law also bans branding, promotion, and advertising of e-cigarettes and nicotine products aimed at children. However, some representatives of the vaping industry have expressed concern that overly strict measures could push former smokers who switched to vaping back to tobacco.
Tobacco control in Europe
Efforts to combat smoking are gaining momentum across Europe. In July 2025, France introduced a ban on smoking on beaches, in parks, near schools, libraries, swimming pools, and bus stops. Violators face fines of up to €700.
In Ukraine, smoking in prohibited places (educational institutions, hospitals, cafés, playgrounds, stairwells, transport, etc.) is subject to fines ranging from 51 to 240 hryvnias depending on the number of violations. The ban applies to traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, hookahs, and herbal mixtures.
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