Plans to ban smoking for the next generation have progressed to the next stage after MPs voted in favour of landmark changes to the legal age of buying tobacco
Plans to ban smoking for the next generation of young people passed an historic vote on Tuesday.
MPs voted to pass the Tobacco and Vapes Bill at its second reading in the Commons by 415 to 47, majority 368. The legislation will now progress to the committee and report stages where it will undergo further scrutiny before MPs vote on it again at a later date.
A crackdown on smoking was originally planned under Rishi Sunak but the plans were dropped when he called a snap election. Labour vowed to revive the plan, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting and PM Keir Starmer pledging to invest in preventative healthcare.
Smoking is the number one preventable cause of death, disability and ill health in the UK. It causes around 80,000 deaths a year, causes one in four of all cancer deaths and kills up to two-thirds of its long-term users. Smoking also costs the economy and wider society £21.8billion a year.
Here’s a breakdown of Labour’s law changes – and how they’ll affect you.
What are the changes to smoking?
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill was introduced in the King’s Speech in July, when the new government set out its legislative agenda.
The Bill will create the first smoke-free generation so children turning 15 this year or younger can never legally be sold tobacco. In other words, anyone born after January 1 2009 will be blocked from legally buying cigarettes. It means youngsters will be banned from buying cigarettes by effectively raising the legal age for tobacco purchase by one year every year.
Is vaping included?
The Bill will also clamp down on youth vaping, with proposals included to end the sale of vape flavours that overtly appeal to children – such as bubble gum, gummy bear and cotton candy. The legislation will ban the advertising and sponsorship of vapes and nicotine products and allow ministers to regulate the flavours, packaging, and display of vapes so that they do not appeal to children.
All vaping and nicotine products will be banned from being sold to under 18s as well as the free distribution of these products. The Bill will also introduce a new £200 fixed penalty notice in England and Wales, which will enable Trading Standards Officers to act ‘on the spot’ to clamp down on offences such as underage sales.
A ban on single-use disposable vapes will come into force from June 2025. This will not be included in the Tobacco and Vapes bill, but is part of separate legislation brought by the Department for Food, the Environment and Rural Affairs.
Will smoking be banned in pub gardens?
The Bill provides powers to extend the indoor smoking ban to specific outdoor spaces. In England, children’s playgrounds, outside schools and hospitals are all being considered, subject to consultation.
In his major report, which has helped shape the Tobacco and Vapes bill, Dr Javed Khan recommended the Government “increase smokefree places to de-normalise smoking and protect young people from second-hand smoke” and to “strengthen smokefree legislation in hospitality, hospital grounds and outdoor public spaces”.
Mr Starmer suggested he was looking at curbing smoking in pub gardens in the summer. But the government confirmed in November it had officially dropped the plans. It comes after warnings from the hospitality industry the move could lead to job losses and pub closures. “We aim to strike a balance between protecting the most vulnerable and ensuring businesses are not financially harmed,” minister said.
US ELECTION WHATSAPP: Join our US Election WhatsApp group here to be first to get all the biggest news and results as America heads to the polls. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
POLITICS WHATSAPP: Be first to get the biggest bombshells and breaking news by joining our Politics WhatsApp group here. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
NEWSLETTER: Or sign up here to the Mirror’s Politics newsletter for all the best exclusives and opinions straight to your inbox.
PODCAST: And listen to our exciting new political podcast The Division Bell, hosted by Mirror interim political editor Lizzy Buchan and Express political editor Sam Lister, every Thursday.
When will changes come into force?
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will have to pass through a lengthy process in the Commons and the Lords where it is debated and scrutinised by MPs and peers before it becomes law. During this period there is potential for the Bill to be watered down or for it to be strengthened.
Following the second reading, the bill will progress to the committee and report stages, before MPs get the chance to vote again at the third reading. If it passes in the House of Commons, it will then go through the same process in the Lords before receiving royal assent and becoming law.
