The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which, when it comes into force in 2027, will ban anyone born after 2008 from ever being able to legally buy cigarettes, has been approved by the Houses of Commons and Lords.
The Bill only now needs Royal Assent before becoming official, but once this ceremonial seal of approval has been granted, the law, which was proposed by Rishi Sunak’s Conservative government in 2023, will become official, before coming into force on January 1, 2027.
From then, retailers will have to ensure that anyone they sell cigarettes to was born before January 1, 2009, meaning within 15 years those aged 30 will have to show proof of age when buying these, as well as cigars, loose, nasal, chewing and heated tobacco, and cigarette papers.
Additionally, from 2027 it will be an offence to vape in a car with anyone under the age of 18, following on from a 2015 law that banned smoking in cars carrying children.
The government will also gain greater powers to regulate vape flavours and packaging.
Also known as the generational tobacco ban, the Bill is aimed at creating the first ‘smoke-free’ generation, and will effectively outlaw the habit entirely once those who were born before 2009 have passed away.
Hetal Patel, national president of the Federation of independent retailers, welcomes reduced smoking levels in general, but says he is ”concerned that a generational smoking ban relating to cigarettes and taxation on vapes will lead to these products being driven underground and to the black market”.
He adds: ”We also worry that licensing will hit legitimate retailers with costs and red tape.”
