The UK Parliament today (April 21) passed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, paving the way for a “smoke-free generation” by imposing a lifetime ban on cigarette purchases for people born on or after Jan 1, 2009.
Both the Commons and Lords have settled on a final draft of the "landmark" legislation and the bill now awaiting Royal assent.
The bill aims to create the first “smoke-free generation” by ensuring children turning 15 this year or younger can never be legally sold tobacco. It also seeks to enable product and information requirements to be imposed in connection with tobacco, vapes and other products.
The bill was considered by the House of Lords between 27 March 2025 and 9 March 2026 before returning to the House of Commons, in a process known as parliamentary 'ping pong'.
On Monday 20 April members of Lords considered changes (PDF) made by MPs in the Commons in regard to previous Lords amendments.
The amendments cover the issuing of fixed penalty notices in Wales, and the use of subsequent funds accrued from fines. The amendments were agreed to without a division.
As both Houses have agreed on the text of the bill, it now awaits the final stage of Royal Assent when it will become an Act of Parliament (law).
The impact the bill will have on retailers was briefly addressed as health minister Baroness Merron told the Lords on Monday (April 20), “This is a landmark Bill that will create a smoke-free generation, and it will be the biggest public health intervention in a generation. I assure all noble Lords that it will save lives. I commend it to the House."
Lord Naseby, a Conservative former MP, said the Tobacco and Vapes Bill "does upset a great many people in that industry", including retailers.
"Nevertheless, it upsets a great many people in that industry that the Government have not listened to the strong representations of the retailers and those who have knowledge of the industry. We have a situation now where we have a £200 penalty, which is huge by any yardstick, for the revised incidences."We are expecting a new Welsh Government fairly soon, and they may not be too happy with what has now been amended.
"However, I will say no more than that I think the time will come when the present Government and—I am sorry to say—those on my own side who believe in this idea as a whole will accept that it is totally out of date in relation to what is happening in the world. What we really need is a proper understanding of how we educate people not to take up smoking."