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UK to ban those born after 2008 from buying cigarettes
Parliament approved the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which would ban anyone born after December 31, 2008 from ever buying cigarettes. The bill moves to royal assent and would raise the minimum age to buy cigarettes each year. Health officials say the measure could create a smoke-free generation in the UK.
Why It Matters
If enacted, the policy would establish one of the world's toughest anti-smoking regimes and reshape how tobacco products are regulated in the UK.
Timeline
5 Events
Context: smoking prevalence and harm in Britain
April 22, 2026
Officials note about 6.4 million people in Britain still smoke (around 13% of the population), and smoking is linked to about 80,000 deaths per year.
Health Secretary comments on a smoke-free generation
April 22, 2026
"Children in the UK will be part of the first smoke-free generation, protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm," Health Secretary Wes Streeting said.
Incremental rise in minimum age to buy cigarettes planned
April 22, 2026
Under current law, it is illegal to sell cigarettes to anyone under 18; the policy would raise the minimum age to 19 next year and to 20 the following year.
Royal assent anticipated after formal approval
April 22, 2026
The bill will be sent to King Charles III for approval; observers expect royal assent to be a formality before it becomes law.
Parliament passes Tobacco and Vapes Bill; ban on future generations from buying cigarettes
April 22, 2026
UK Parliament approved the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which would ban anyone born after December 31, 2008 from ever buying cigarettes. The bill will now go to King Charles III for approval before it can become law.