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. 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.
Background 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. A similar proposal was made by the Labour Party earlier that year. 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. 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. However the decision to call a summer 2024 general election meant that Parliament was dissolved and the legislation did not pass through Parliament. The newly elected government announced in July 2024 they would re-introduce these measures in the first session of the new parliament. 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. On 5 November 2024, the government introduced the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, aiming to protect public health and reduce the harm caused by smoking. 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.
Summary of the bill 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. 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 and expands smoke-free areas to include playgrounds and locations near schools and hospitals.
Parliamentary passage
House of Commons The bill received its first reading on 5 November 2024. The second reading with a debate and votes from MPs occurred on 26 November. It was passed with 415 in favour to 47 against. 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.
House of Lords 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. 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. Report stage was held on 24 February 2026 and 3 March, and the third reading was on 9 March. 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 reasons by the House of Commons to disagree with the Lords' amendments on 20 April 2026. On that date, the House of Lords voted final approval of the bill. The bill received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026, becoming the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026. Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the approval as "a turning point" for the nation's health. 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. 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.
Reactions 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. The bill was supported by health organisations, including Cancer Research UK, Action on Smoking and Health and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. 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.
See also Tobacco-free generation policies
Notes
References
External links Text of the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk. Text of the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 as originally enacted or made within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk.
