Nigel Farage has pledged that a future Reform UK government would repeal the proposed “generational smoking ban”, arguing the policy would place an unworkable burden on retailers and fuel illicit trade.
Writing in The Telegraph, Farage criticised provisions within the Tobacco and Vapes Bill that would prevent anyone born after 2008 from ever legally purchasing tobacco. The policy, originally introduced under former prime minister Rishi Sunak and continued by Keir Starmer, has been positioned by government as a long-term public health measure.
Farage, however, described the approach as “unjust and utterly unworkable”, warning it would create significant operational challenges for retailers. Under the proposed system, shop staff would be required to verify not just age but eligibility based on birth year, potentially leading to situations where a 27-year-old could be refused a sale while a 28-year-old is permitted to buy tobacco.
He argued that the policy would effectively turn shopkeepers into “health policemen”, with fines of up to £200 for non-compliance adding further pressure to stores already dealing with rising shop theft and enforcement challenges.
“The onus will be on the poor shopkeeper to identify those old enough to make a legal purchase. If he fails to carry out his duty as some kind of health policeman, he will be fined £200. How will he ensure that his customers are entitled to make a purchase,” Farage wrote.
The Reform UK leader also warned that restricting legal access to tobacco for certain age groups could accelerate growth in the illicit tobacco market. He pointed to international examples, including Australia, where high tobacco prices and restrictions have coincided with increased criminal activity and a surge in black-market sales.
Farage further cited polling suggesting a majority of respondents view the generational ban as unworkable, and referenced New Zealand’s decision to abandon a similar policy following a change in government.
For the convenience sector, the comments reflect ongoing concerns about the practicalities of enforcing complex age-related restrictions at the till. Retailers have previously highlighted the administrative burden of compliance with tobacco and vaping regulations, particularly where enforcement expectations are unclear.
Recently, the Save Our Shops campaign by Asian Trader has seen more than 1000 small business owners, including convenience stores, newsagents, independent supermarkets and forecourts writing to the prime minister requesting immediate engagement before the legislation reaches its final parliamentary stages.