April 21, 2026, 8:50 p.mApril 21, 2026, 8:50 p.m
A cigarette rack in England. (Archive image, 2015)Image: EPA/EPA
Britain is becoming smoke-free – at least in the long term. After lengthy discussions, a corresponding bill to ban the sale of tobacco has now passed the final hurdle in parliament.
The law, which only needs formal approval from the king, provides for a gradual increase in the age at which tobacco products can be legally purchased. Anyone born after January 1, 2009 should never have the opportunity to legally purchase cigarettes and similar products. Smoking itself is not banned.
“Historical moment”
Health Minister Wes Streeting spoke of a historic moment. “Children in the UK will be part of the first smoke-free generation, protected from a life of addiction and danger,” said the Labor politician.
The law also restricts the use of e-cigarettes. In the future, vaporizers, known as vapes in Great Britain, will be banned in playgrounds, in cars with children and in hospitals.
New Zealand passed a similar law at the end of 2022 under the leadership of then Labor Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. There, too, they hoped to become a smoke-free country. However, the conservative successor government overturned the law less than two years later. (sda/dpa)