Children aged 17 or younger will face a lifelong ban on buying cigarettes under new legislation set to become law across the UK.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has now cleared both the House of Commons and House of Lords, paving the way for a “smoke-free generation”.
The legislation will make it illegal for anyone born on or after January 1, 2009 to ever legally purchase tobacco products, effectively raising the smoking age year by year.
Health minister Baroness Merron described the move as a “landmark” moment, telling the House of Lords it would be “the biggest public health intervention in a generation” and would “save lives”.
In Wales, the move has been welcomed by Asthma and Lung UK Cymru, which said it would help protect future generations from the harms of smoking.
Bec Miller, policy and public affairs officer, said: “This landmark wide legislation means a smoke free future across the UK and the tobacco industry will no longer be able to wreak havoc on the lungs of the next generation.
“The bill also builds on restrictions already in place in Wales concerning where vapes, cigarettes, and heated tobacco products can be used.
“The next Welsh Government needs to outline how the bill will be implemented. It must make sure existing smokers aren’t left behind by providing essential smoking cessation support, especially in areas of deprivation where smoking rates are the highest.
“Now that this ground breaking bill is finally over the line, we are looking forward to working with new MSs to go further to protect public health and hold the tobacco industry to account.”
The bill will also give ministers new powers to regulate vaping and nicotine products, including their flavours and packaging.
The law is expected to come into force following royal assent.
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