ASH is in the press again as governments push stricter smoking rules (age bans, licensing for vapes, generational smoking ban). A quick refresher: UK charity campaigning on tobacco harms. #PublicHealth
The UK has passed the Tobacco and Vapes Act, which has created a rolling age ban that will permanently prevent anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 from legally buying tobacco. The law has also granted ministers broad powers to regulate vaping — including flavours, packaging, displays and where vaping is allowed — and will tighten sales rules for under‑18s.
The UK has approved legislation that bans people born after 2008 from ever buying cigarettes, aiming to create a smoke-free generation. The law, pending royal assent, will regulate tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products, making it one of the world's strictest anti-smoking measures. It will take effect in January 2027.