US EditionUK Government Announces Major Smoking and Vape Law Change
The law also bans vape advertising and strengthens enforcement against illicit tobacco sales, with smoking still causing about 80,000 UK deaths a year, officials said.
- The Tobacco and Vapes Bill received Royal Assent today, becoming law and preventing the legal sale of tobacco to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009.
- Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death, responsible for around 80,000 deaths annually in England, placing a significant burden on the NHS and the wider economy.
- The act introduces bans on vape marketing and advertising, stronger retail enforcement powers including a licensing scheme, and new smoke-free protections in public places to shield children and medically vulnerable people.
- Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting said the legislation "marks a turning point" for the nation's health, while Chief Medical Officer for England Professor Sir Chris Whitty added that "marketing vapes at children is utterly unacceptable."
- These changes form a central pillar of the 10 Year Health Plan, supporting the shift from sickness to prevention and helping people live longer, healthier lives. The Department of Health and Social Care aims to break the cycle of addiction and disadvantage.
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Talking Retail
RetailWitThe new vaping licensing regime – lessons to be learned from alcohol licensing | Viewpoint: Graeme Cushion
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has now received Royal Assent and become the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026. Whilst we now know that the new vape licensing regime will be introduced, the detailed regulations are yet to be published. We are led to believe that… This story continues at The new vaping licensing regime – lessons to be learned from alcohol licensing | Viewpoint: Graeme Cushion Or just read more coverage at Talking Retail
Why I advised Britain to ban smoking for a generation
Opinion Why I told the government to ban smoking outright for a generation Smoking will be banned for anyone turning 18 in 2027 — for life. Photograph by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images The Smoking and Vapes Act will make it illegal to sell tobacco — including shisha and paan — to anyone born in or after 2009 Javed KhanAuthor of The Khan Review: Making Smoking Obsolete 30 April 2026 It’s not often that you get a direct call from the health secretary. …
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