UK introduces lifetime ban on tobacco for younger generations

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill was approved by UK Parliament earlier this week, making the UK only the second country in the world to introduce a generational ban on tobacco sales, after the Maldives. This means that anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 will never be legally allowed to buy cigarettes.

The legislation aims to stop young people from starting to smoke. It also gives the UK government powers to regulate tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine products, including flavours, packaging and how products can be sold.

ERS experts highlight that these measures are important for reducing the appeal and availability of these products, particularly among children and young people.

Why this matters for young people

Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness and death. At the same time, there is a growing concern about increasing nicotine use among young people in Europe, especially through e‑cigarettes.

According to recent data, 22% of 15–16‑year‑olds in Europe reported using e‑cigarettes in the past month. Rates are even higher in some countries:

• 36% in Poland
• 32% in Croatia
• Around 30% in Hungary, Czechia and Romania

Ed Powell, Chair of the ELF Youth Group, said:

“Vaping is a growing issue, especially the appeal to young people and the unknown long-term impacts. The government’s stance on this is very positive, as it takes a wider view of what can also cause issues for the lungs. It is a positive, future-proofed approach to protect the population from the dangers of vaping in the future, especially given the grasp it has on young people.”

Moving towards a tobacco‑free future

The new legislation reflects a broader shift in tobacco control, towards what is often described as a “tobacco endgame” approach. This focuses on preventing people from starting to use tobacco and reducing overall use to very low levels.

While measures such as tobacco taxation and smoke‑free policies remain important, they are considered a starting point. Forward-looking policies are needed to achieve long-term reductions in tobacco use.

The UK’s approach aims to bring smoking rates down to very low levels, with a wider goal of reaching around 5% of the population. By focusing on prevention and limiting how tobacco and nicotine products are sold and presented, this type of policy aims to support a healthier, tobacco‑free future.

Read the update from ERS Advocacy: https://www.ersnet.org/news-and-features/news/ers-expert-uk-generational-sales-ban-paves-the-way-for-a-truly-tobacco-free-generation/