UK Parliament has passed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, introducing a lifetime ban on cigarette purchases for anyone aged 17 and under.
Lawmakers in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords have approved the final draft of legislation designed to phase out smoking among future generations by restricting access based on age.
The bill, which is expected to receive Royal Assent, will also grant ministers powers to regulate tobacco, vaping and other nicotine products, including controls on flavours and packaging.
The measures are part of efforts to address smoking-related harm, with tobacco use remaining a major contributor to preventable deaths, disability and ill health in the UK.
Vaping will not be allowed in cars with children, playgrounds, and outside schools, and in hospitals, with an exception allowing vaping in designated areas outside hospitals to support those who want to quit.
Read also on The New Daily Prime:
UK Doctor suspended after asking Muslim woman to remove veil during consultation
UK to stop benefits for migrants who commit crimes
Reform UK plans review of asylum cases, proposes mass deportations
I had limited role in oil contract approvals — Ex-minister Madueke tells UK court
Also, people will be able to smoke and vape in their homes.
Health Minister Baroness Merron told the Lords: “This afternoon marks the end of this Bill’s journey through Parliament.
“It is a landmark Bill; it will create a smoke-free generation”
Speaking on the impact of the Bill, she said: “It is, in fact, the biggest public health intervention in a generation, and I can assure all noble Lords it will save lives.”
Meanwhile, a Conservative former MP, Lord Naseby, stated that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill disturbs a lot of people, including vendors, adding: “What we really need is a proper understanding of how we educate people not to take up smoking.”
Speaking for Asthma + Lung UK, Sarah Sleet called for stronger support for smokers following the passage of the legislation, noting that the new law creates an opportunity to expand public health measures, while warning that gaps in access to quitting services remain across the country.
“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.”
“Right now we have a postcode lottery, which is why the tobacco industry should pay through a levy to reduce the harm they cause by funding these crucial services across the UK,” she said.
For more details, visit New Daily Prime
🚨BREAKING: Watch The Video Clip Here ➤
