Jump to content

Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026

Edit links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Tobacco and Vapes Bill)

Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026[a]
Act of Parliament
coat of arms
Parliament of the United Kingdom
Long titleA Bill to make provision about the supply of tobacco, vapes and other products, including provision prohibiting the sale of tobacco to people born on or after 1 January 2009 and provision about the licensing of retail sales and the registration of retailers; to enable product and information requirements to be imposed in connection with tobacco, vapes and other products; to control the advertising and promotion of tobacco, vapes and other products; and to make provision about smoke-free places, vape-free places and heated tobacco-free places.
Citation2026 c. 18
Introduced byWes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care[1] (Commons)
Baroness Merron, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care) (Lords)
Territorial extent 
[b]
Dates
Royal assent29 April 2026
Commencementvarious[c]
Other legislation
Amends
Status: Current legislation
History of passage through Parliament
Text of statute as originally enacted
Revised text of statute as amended

The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 (c. 18) is an act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom to promote public health by reducing tobacco use in the United Kingdom. This act introduces a series of measures designed to phase out the sale of tobacco products for future generations, particularly targeting individuals born on or after 1 January 2009. It establishes a framework for regulating the sale, display, and advertising of tobacco and vaping products, thereby addressing the associated health risks.[2]

The bill passed its three readings in the House of Commons between November 2024 and March 2025, and three in the House of Lords between March 2025 and March 2026. Following Royal Assent on 29 April 2026, the age restrictions on tobacco sales will take effect on 1 January 2027.[3][4] According to the Associated Press, the UK now has the toughest anti-smoking measures in the world since New Zealand’s similar law was repealed in 2022.[5]

Background

[edit]

On 4 October 2023, at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced his intention to phase out cigarette smoking in the UK by raising the minimum age to purchase cigarettes from 18 each year, every year until eventually no person can legally buy cigarettes.[6][7] A similar proposal was made by the Labour Party earlier that year.[8]

Plans for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, legislation implementing such a ban, were announced in the King's Speech during the 2023 State Opening of Parliament.[9] The bill passed its first reading on 20 March 2024 and its second reading on 16 April 2024, with MPs allowed a whip-free vote on the matter.[10][11] However the decision to call a summer 2024 general election meant that Parliament was dissolved and the legislation did not pass through Parliament.[12] The newly elected government announced in July 2024 they would re-introduce these measures in the first session of the new parliament.[13]

On 24 October 2024, the government announced a ban on the sale of single-use vapes, effective from June 2025, in an effort to address environmental concerns and the rising prevalence of vaping among children.[14]

On 5 November 2024, the government introduced the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, aiming to protect public health and reduce the harm caused by smoking.[15] The bill proposed measures to phase out tobacco sales for those under 15, extend the indoor smoking ban to outdoor areas and introduce stricter regulations on vaping, including a ban on vape advertising and limitations on flavours and packaging.[16][17] In 2026, the Act broadened the existing advertising legislation's definition of a tobacco product. The Committees of Advertising Practice (CAP) stated that the wider advertising legislation's definition of a tobacco product, will likely bring more products within its scope, including heated tobacco products.[18] The other advertising provisions within the Act are subject to different commencement arrangements.[17] The offences also apply to businesses that provided services involved in designing or printing prohibited content as well as internet-services through which they are published or distributed. The Act provides exceptions for conduits, caching or hosting services, under the condition that they remove or disable access to prohibited advertisement.[19] The Act also establishes offences relating to proxy purchasing for adults who buy or attempt to buy tobacco products, vaping products or nicotine products for individuals born after 1 January 2009.[20]

The bill distinguishes between tobacco products and other selected methods of nicotine consumption in its age-of-sale restrictions. These products are regulated by separate provisions and include vaping products and nicotine pouches, which can be used by smokers as cessation aids.[21][22][23] Likewise, health evidence highlights the differences between product types. The Royal College of Physicians states that most of the harm caused by smoking is due to the combustion of tobacco, which releases toxic chemicals and potent carcinogens.[24] Additionally, a policy statement by the American Association for Cancer Research classifies combustible cigarettes as the most harmful nicotine-containing product, primarily due to the toxicants emitted in the smoke inhaled by smokers.[25] During the report stage of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in the House of Lords, Health Minister Baroness Merron stated that there is a significant difference in safety between vapes and tobacco products, and although vaping is not risk-free, it is significantly less harmful than smoking.[26]

Summary of the bill

[edit]

The bill makes it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009, aiming to create a smoke-free generation.[27] It restricts advertising and sales of nicotine products, including a ban on selling vapes to anyone under 18 and selling them through vending machines. The bill also allows regulation of vaping products[28] and expands smoke-free areas to include playgrounds and locations near schools and hospitals.[29][30] The bill requires that premises acquire a license to be able to sell tobacco products to customers.[31] In England, physical and online businesses selling tobacco products, herbal smoking products, cigarette papers, vaping products or nicotine products may be required to have separate personal and premises licences.[32] The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 includes England, Wales, Northern Ireland while strengthening Scotland's existing retail register. Scotland had already implemented the Scottish Tobacco Retail Register (STRR) in April 2011 with similar bans.[33] On 29 October 2026, the bills restriction on free distribution and discounting comes into effect.[34]

Parliamentary passage

[edit]

House of Commons

[edit]

The bill received its first reading on 5 November 2024. The second reading with a debate and votes from MPs occurred on 26 November.[35] It was passed with 415 in favour to 47 against.[36] It was then sent to a Public Bill Committee which debated the Bill, and reported it with amendments to the House of Commons on 30 January 2025. It had its report stage and third reading on 26 March 2025, where it passed with 366 in favour and 41 against.[37]

House of Lords

[edit]

The bill's first reading in the House of Lords, a formal procedure which signals the start of its journey within the Lords, took place on 27 March 2025. Its second reading took place on 23 April.[37] It had seven days of line-by-line examination in committee stage between 27 October and 26 November 2025, after which some amendments to the Bill were put forward.[38] Report stage was held on 24 February 2026 and 3 March, and the third reading was on 9 March.[39]

The bill then returned to the House of Commons for the consideration of Lords amendments on 23 March 2026, and went to the House of Lords for consideration of amendments by the House of Commons on 20 April 2026. On that date, the House of Lords voted final approval of the bill.[40] The bill received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026, becoming the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026.[41] Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the approval as "a turning point" for the nation's health.[42]

On 14 May 2025, Lord Vaizey tabled an amendment to the Bill following his visit to the Swiss research facility of heated tobacco company Philip Morris International, which paid for Vaizey's flight and accommodation.[43] He suggested that more research was needed into comparing the harm to human health from heated tobacco relative to the harm of smoking cigarettes. Martin McKee, professor of European public health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, suggested that a better comparison would be to compare its harm relative to not smoking at all.[43]

Reactions

[edit]

While the Bill was supported by a majority of Parliament across both parties, it was criticised by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who compared it to the "puritanical spirit" of Oliver Cromwell and pledged to repeal the law if he becomes Prime Minister.[44]

The bill was supported by health organisations,[45] including Cancer Research UK, Action on Smoking and Health and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.[46] In an August 2024 YouGov poll, 61% of UK adults supported the efforts to phase out smoking by banning it for people born after 1 January 2009, while 27% opposed it. 81% supported the banning of disposable vapes, while 13% opposed it.[47]

In March 2026, the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) started an awareness campaign to assist retailers to prepare for the bill's age verification rules.[48]

The Department of Health and Social Care began a consultation in July 2026 for the introduction of plain packaging and restrictions on flavour descriptions for vapes.[49][50] The 12-week, UK-wide consultation also covered the permitted colours of vaping devices and how vaping and nicotine products should be displayed in shops.[51]

In response to the bill, vaping firms argued that the restrictions could lead some former smokers to return to tobacco or obtain products through unregulated markets.[15]

Following opposition from bar owners, the proposal to prohibit smoking in pub beer gardens was omitted from the reintroduced bill.[52]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ↑ Section 178.
  2. ↑ Section 174.
  3. ↑ Section 175–176.

References

[edit]
  1. ↑ "Tobacco and Vapes Bill". Retrieved 12 February 2026.
  2. ↑ "Proxy purchasing of tobacco and nicotine products | Legal Guidance | LexisNexis". www.lexisnexis.co.uk. Retrieved 2 September 2026.
  3. ↑ "Tobacco and Vapes Bill becomes law". GOV.UK. 29 April 2026. Retrieved 2 May 2026.
  4. ↑ "Tobacco Advertising: Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026". www.asa.org.uk. Retrieved 2 September 2026.
  5. ↑ "UK passes bill that will eventually ban cigarette purchases". AP News. 22 April 2026. Archived from the original on 6 June 2026. Retrieved 18 September 2026.
  6. ↑ Syed, Armani (27 November 2023). "New Zealand Scraps Generational Smoking Ban". TIME. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  7. ↑ Gregory, James (5 October 2023). "Rishi Sunak defends his plan to ban smoking for younger generation". BBC News. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
  8. ↑ Hockaday, James (9 January 2023). "End of the cigarette? Labour unveil plan to wipe out smoking by 2030 by banning sale of tobacco". LBC. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
  9. ↑ Morton, Becky (7 November 2023). "Focus on crime as Rishi Sunak sets out priorities in King's Speech". BBC News. BBC. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  10. ↑ "UK smoking ban for those born after 2009 starts journey into law". BBC News. 20 March 2024. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
  11. ↑ Seddon, Paul (7 November 2023). "Key points: What was in this year's King's Speech?". BBC News. BBC. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  12. ↑ "Tobacco and Vapes Bill 2024-25". Retrieved 2 September 2026.
  13. ↑ Wilkinson, Damon; Kirby, Jane (17 July 2024). "The new laws on vaping and smoking under Labour set out in the King's Speech". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
  14. ↑ M, Muvija (24 October 2024). "UK to ban disposable vapes from June to crack down on teen use". Reuters. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  15. 1 2 Campbell, Denis (21 April 2026). "Bill banning people born after 2008 from buying tobacco clears UK parliament". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2 September 2026.
  16. ↑ "Smoking ban introduced to protect children and most vulnerable". GOV.UK. 5 November 2024. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  17. 1 2 "No Ifs, No Butts: The practical implications of the UK Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026". www.hlc.com. Retrieved 18 September 2026.
  18. ↑ "Tobacco and Vapes Act becomes law". Wiggin LLP. Retrieved 18 September 2026.
  19. ↑ "Advertising and marketing | UK Regulatory Outlook May 2026". www.osborneclarke.com. Retrieved 18 September 2026.
  20. ↑ "Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026: The Smoke-Free Generation Becomes Law: Key Dates, New Offences and What Changes From 2027". RakLAW Solicitors. Retrieved 18 September 2026.
  21. ↑ "Tobacco And Vapes Act 2026". www.legislation.gov.uk. Retrieved 11 September 2026.
  22. ↑ "Tobacco And Vapes Act 2026". www.legislation.gov.uk. Retrieved 11 September 2026.
  23. ↑ "Crackdown on snus-style nicotine pouches in 'smokefree generation' law". The Independent. 6 May 2025. Retrieved 11 September 2026.
  24. ↑ "E-cigarettes and harm reduction" (PDF). Retrieved 11 September 2026.
  25. ↑ Hatsukami, Dorothy K.; Goniewicz, Maciej L.; Leischow, Scott J.; Rigotti, Nancy A.; Tellman, Tristen V.; Warren, Nicholas J. H.; Davidson, Brad A.; Toll, Benjamin A.; Subcommittee, the AACR Tobacco Products and Cancer (1 January 2026). "An AACR Policy Statement to Support a Federal Limit on Nicotine in Combustible Tobacco and Protect Public Health". Clinical Cancer Research. 32 (1). American Association for Cancer Research: 16–26. doi:10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-25-2182. ISSN 1078-0432. PMID 41195890.
  26. ↑ "Tobacco and Vapes Bill Volume 853: debated on Tuesday 24 February 2026". Retrieved 11 September 2026.
  27. ↑ "Bill to ban younger generation from smoking and crackdown on vapes clears first hurdle". Sky News. Retrieved 28 November 2024.
  28. ↑ "Is vaping bad for you, and how are the rules changing?". BBC News. 12 September 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2024.
  29. ↑ "Tobacco and Vapes Bill: creating a smoke-free UK and tackling youth vaping factsheet". GOV.UK. Retrieved 28 November 2024.
  30. ↑ "Smoking ban introduced to protect children and most vulnerable". GOV.UK. Retrieved 28 November 2024.
  31. ↑ "Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 becomes law". www.lewissilkin.com. Retrieved 2 September 2026.
  32. ↑ "What retailers need to know about the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 | News". 27 May 2026. Retrieved 18 September 2026.
  33. ↑ "Evaluating the long term impact of Scotland's Tobacco and Vaping Retail Register". National Centre for Social Research. 30 June 2026. Retrieved 2 September 2026.
  34. ↑ Boakye, Kwame (11 May 2026). "Tobacco and Vapes Act changes to be phased in, retailers told". Better Retailing. Retrieved 2 September 2026.
  35. ↑ Greenblat-Tal, Sophia; Froguel, Alizee (26 November 2024). "MPs vote in favour of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill at its Second Reading". Cancer Research UK. Retrieved 7 August 2026.
  36. ↑ "Tobacco and Vapes Bill: Second Reading". Votes in Parliament. 26 November 2024. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  37. 1 2 "Government plans for 'smoke-free generation' move closer to becoming law". Times and Star. 26 March 2025. Retrieved 26 March 2025.
  38. ↑ "Tobacco and Vapes Bill begins Lords committee stage". UK Parliament. Retrieved 24 March 2026.
  39. ↑ "Lords completes scrutiny of Tobacco and Vapes Bill". UK Parliament. Retrieved 24 March 2026.
  40. ↑ "Tobacco and Vapes Bill - Parliamentary Bills - UK Parliament". bills.parliament.uk. Retrieved 29 April 2026.
  41. ↑ "UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill Officially Becomes Law". Tobacco Reporter. 29 April 2026. Retrieved 2 May 2026.
  42. ↑ "Tobacco and Vapes Bill granted Royal Assent as tighter vape controls become law". Vape Business. 29 April 2026. Retrieved 2 May 2026.
  43. 1 2 Davies, Rob; Chapman, Matthew (1 June 2025). "Tory peer proposed delay on heated tobacco ban after Philip Morris visit". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  44. ↑ Farage, Nigel (23 March 2026). "Reform will repeal the generational smoking ban". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 15 May 2026.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  45. ↑ "New Tobacco and Vapes Bill backed by public, health charities and politicians". Action on Smoking and Health. 5 November 2024. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  46. ↑ "Organisations representing 850,000 healthcare professionals urge MPs to back Tobacco & Vapes Bill". RCPCH. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  47. ↑ "Smoking | YouGov Survey Results" (PDF). YouGov. 30 August 2024. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  48. ↑ Fortune, Aidan. "ACS launches Decline09 tobacco age verification campaign". Convenience Store. Retrieved 11 September 2026.
  49. ↑ "UK government launches consultation on vape packaging - Retail Gazette". 10 July 2026. Retrieved 11 September 2026.
  50. ↑ "Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament". questions-statements.parliament.uk. Retrieved 11 September 2026.
  51. ↑ Sarah, Marsh (9 July 2026). "Vape packaging and flavouring face restrictions under UK plans to reduce appeal to children". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 18 September 2026.
  52. ↑ "UK introduces a bill that would eventually make the purchase of cigarettes illegal". Retrieved 18 September 2026.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tobacco_and_Vapes_Act_2026&oldid=1380595587"