The United Kingdom Parliament has passed a landmark bill that imposes a permanent ban on smoking for anyone aged 17 and younger, according to people.com.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill bars individuals born after January 1, 2009, from ever buying cigarettes or vapes. The legislation also extends restrictions on vaping to include cars carrying children, playgrounds, hospitals, and areas near schools.
According to the BBC, vaping will remain permitted outside hospitals, but only to assist individuals attempting to quit.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting said the reform aims to "save lives, ease pressure on the NHS [National Health Service], and build a healthier Britain," per the outlet.
Future of the ban
The bill seeks to create a "smoke-free generation" by gradually ending tobacco sales across the country and breaking cycles of addiction. It also aims to strengthen existing powers to ban smoking in public places to protect vulnerable people from passive smoking.
The legislation now awaits royal assent from King Charles III. The King previously expressed support for the measure during a 2023 speech to Parliament, stating his government would introduce legislation to restrict the sale of tobacco to children.
However, the policy faces opposition from Nigel Farage of the Reform UK party. Writing in The Telegraph, Farage claimed the generational ban "will not last long" if his party wins the next general election.
Farage criticized the measure as "dreary meddling," arguing that more civilized methods exist to protect young people. He added that those who enjoy a cigarette are prepared to take their own risks.
