The approval of a ‘landmark’ bill which bans anyone born after 2008 from buying tobacco has been hailed as a ‘historic moment’ for the nation’s health.
Under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, from next year the age of sale of cigarettes will rise year-on-year so that anyone born in 2009 or later can never be legally sold tobacco.
The legislation, which cleared both Houses of Parliament on Tuesday and is awaiting royal assent, will also give ministers the power to strengthen the existing ban on smoking in public places such as near children’s playgrounds and outside schools and hospitals.
These locations are currently subject to a Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) consultation on smoke-free, heated tobacco-free and vape-free places in England, which closes on 8 May.
The DHSC has said it plans to use new powers ‘as soon as reasonably practicable’ after the bill becomes law.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said the bill’s passage was ‘a historic moment for the nation’s health’.
He added: ‘Children in the UK will be part of the first smoke-free generation, protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm.
‘Prevention is better than cure – this reform will save lives, ease pressure on the NHS, and build a healthier Britain.’
Asthma + Lung UK chief executive Sarah Sleet welcomed the ‘desperately needed restrictions’ on where vapes, cigarettes and heated tobacco products can be used, which will protect vulnerable people around schools and outside hospitals.
She said: ‘This landmark piece of legislation will transform the nation’s health.
‘A smoke-free future means the tobacco industry will no longer be able to wreak havoc on the lungs of the next generation.’
But she added that the government needs to make sure current smokers are not left behind and are provided with vital support to kick the habit.
Ms Sleet also underlined the ‘postcode lottery’ in funding and service disparities that means some areas have lower smoking cessation spending per smoker than others, and called for a levy from the tobacco industry to help fund stop-smoking services.
‘Now that this groundbreaking bill is finally over the line, we have a chance to go further to protect public health and hold the tobacco industry to account,’ she added.
A ban on single-use vapes also came into effect last June, making it illegal to sell or supply single-use vapes in the UK.
A version of this article was first published on Healthcare Leader’s sister title The Pharmacist.
