The UK bans cigarettes and vapes for those born in 2009 or later.

The United Kingdom has taken a historic step in public health policy by passing legislation that It prohibits the purchase of cigarettes and restricts access to vapes for people born on or after January 1, 2009.This measure, which should come into effect after royal approval, seeks to create the first "smoke-free generation" of the country. The proposal, which also expands restrictions on use in public spaces and tightens rules on nicotine products, comes amid data pointing to millions of smokers and high costs to the health system, and is accompanied by broad popular support, but also criticism about its practical and economic impacts.

Read also old technologies, reliable weather forecast e what is artificial intelligence.

What does the Bill say?

O draft law on tobacco and electronic cigarettes proposes a structural change in legislation by establishing that People born on or after January 1, 2009, will never be able to legally buy tobacco.The measure creates a progressive restriction based on year of birth, with the aim of forming a "smoke-free generation" and to reduce, over time, the demand for tobacco products.

For the text to take effect, it still depends on the call. royal sanction, the final stage of the legislative process in the United Kingdom. A royal sanction It is the formal approval granted by the monarch, currently the King Charles IIIwhich transforms the project approved by Parliament into law. Although it is now considered a formality, it remains mandatory within the British political system.

The road to this stage was long and involved both houses of the British Parliament. The project was presented in November 5th, 2024 It went through debates and revisions in the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The process was completed when the Lords approved the... amendments made by the deputies, bringing to a close the legislative process.

"This is, in fact, the largest public health intervention in a generation, and I can assure all the noble Lords that it will save lives."

Health Minister Baroness Merron, speaking to the House of Lords.

In addition to restricting tobacco, the legislation expands the rules on smoke-free environmentsincluding new spaces such as playgrounds, outdoor areas of schools and hospitalsThe measure aims to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and strengthen the protection of children and adolescents, who are considered more vulnerable to the effects of nicotine and the influence of its consumption.

The project also establishes stricter controls on electronic cigarettes and nicotine productswith restrictions to advertising, promotion and marketingespecially when aimed at young audiences. The government gains the power to regulate. flavors, packaging and display at points of salein addition to prohibiting the use of these devices in specific situations, such as in cars with minors under 18 years old.

To ensure compliance with the rules, the proposal creates a licensing system for retailers and defines financial penalties for infractions. Fines can vary from £200 to £2.500depending on the severity, including irregularities in the sale and control of products. Age-related restrictions should come into effect from January 2027...while other measures will be implemented gradually, consolidating a long-term public health policy.

Data on smoking in the United Kingdom

The latest data shows that smoking is still a significant habit in the United Kingdom, despite a downward trend over the years. According to the Office for National StatisticsNear 5,3 million adults smoked in 2024., the equivalent of 10,6% of the population aged 18 or olderEstimates for 2023 already point to a number close to 6 million smokers, or 11,9% of adults, showing a gradual reduction in consumption over time.

The distribution of smoking varies significantly across age groups. According to the Office for National Statistics, Adults between 25 and 34 years old make up the largest proportion of smokers., with about 12,6% in 2024, remaining the group most vulnerable to the habit. In contrast, the prevalence is lower among people with 65 years and over, indicating a reduction in consumption with advancing age.

Differences also appear when looking at the data broken down by gender. Data from 2023 shows that Men smoke more than women. with 13,7% of men declaring the habit, against 10,1% of women, according to a survey compiled by the House of Commons LibraryThis inequality reinforces the need for public policies that consider specific population profiles.

The impact of smoking on public health is significant. NHS points out that habit is one of leading causes of preventable diseases and deaths, being responsible for More than 74 deaths in England in 2019. among people aged 35 or older. In addition, there were approximately 408.700 hospitalizations related to smoking between 2022 and 2023, according to data from House of Commons Library.

“Prevention is better than cure — this reform will save lives, ease the pressure on the NHS (National Health Service) and build a healthier Britain. Children in the UK will be part of the first smoke-free generation, protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm.”

Secretary of State for Health and Social Welfare, Wes Streeting, in a statement.

The effects of smoking also extend to the economy. According to the Action on Smoking and HealthIn England, the costs associated with smoking amount to... £43,7 billion per year, considering healthcare expenses and lost productivity. When the impacts of are included premature deathsthis value can reach up to £78,3 billion annually, highlighting the economic weight of the problem.

Another point of concern is the growth in the use of electronic cigarettes, especially among young people. Data indicates that 9,8% of people aged 16 or older used these devices in 2023.while among teenagers of For those aged 11 to 15, usage increased from 4% in 2014 to 9% in 2023.Although less than 1% of young people in this age group smoke traditional cigarettes regularly.The rise of vaping raises concerns about new forms of nicotine addiction, according to reports from... Office for National Statistics.

population support

The debate surrounding the new legislation has been accompanied by a significant level of popular support in the United Kingdom, especially when the focus is on protecting future generations. Research conducted by YouGov in August 2024 it pointed out that 61% of British adults approved of phasing out smoking.This is based on the ban for people born from 2009 onwards. This data indicates that the majority of the population sees the measure as a valid public health strategy.

Support becomes even more significant when the proposal is presented as a long-term policy. In another survey by YouGov, commissioned by Action on Smoking and Health between February and March 2025, 68% of respondents supported the creation of a "smoke-free generation".The result reinforces the idea that there is a growing perception that preventive measures can reduce future impacts on health and the economy.

Despite widespread support, there is also resistance to the proposal, especially among groups that defend individual liberty. A survey conducted by Forestbetween August and September 2025, it showed that only 35% of those surveyed would support a generational ban on tobacco.This contrast highlights that the topic still divides opinions, especially when it involves permanent age-based restrictions.

In the political and economic fields, criticism is also gaining strength. Representatives of the trade sector are expressing concern about financial impacts, as a survey commissioned by retail groups indicated that... Up to 10% of neighborhood store owners could consider closing their businesses. Given the new restrictions.

Brazilian rules on the use of cigarettes and vapes.

In Brazil, the rules regarding cigarettes and vapes are considered more restrictive than in many other countries, especially in the case of vapes. Regulation involves both federal laws and health regulations. Anvisa, responsible for controlling products that affect public health. The Brazilian model combines restrictions on consumption in public spaces on near-total ban on electronic cigarettes.

In the case of traditional cigarettesIts use is permitted, but with strong limitations. Since Law No. 9.294/1996, it is Smoking is prohibited in enclosed public spaces.This rule also applies to partially enclosed areas, such as restaurants, bars, offices, and public transportation. The legislation aims to protect the population from... exposure to secondhand smoke, considered a health risk.

The electronic cigarettes and vapes They follow a different and more rigorous logic. A Anvisa It has maintained, since 2009, the prohibition of the manufacture, import, sale, distribution and advertising of these devices. in the country. The rule was reaffirmed in 2024 after a technical review, maintaining the understanding that there is insufficient evidence of safety to release these products.

This ban is broad and includes virtually the entire supply chain of the products. This means that It is not permitted to sell, advertise, transport for commercial purposes, or even bring it from abroad.even in personal baggage. Failure to comply may be classified as health violation, with penalties such as fines, seizure of products, and closure of establishments.

On the other hand, there is an important distinction in Brazilian legislation: the Individual use of electronic cigarettes is not criminalized.Although not recommended by health authorities, these devices are also subject to the general rule for indoor environments, that is, They cannot be used in public spaces....just like regular cigarettes. In addition to legal restrictions, the Brazil it also prohibits advertising of tobacco products, including traditional and electronic cigarettes, in virtually all media.

What is your opinion about the ban on cigarettes and vaping For those born on or after January 1, 2009, in the United Kingdom? Tell us in the comments below!

See also:

Sources: The Guardian, BBC e Time.