Tobacco and Vapes Bill becomes law

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has now become law, marking one of the most significant public health reforms in a generation and introducing a suite of new enforcement powers designed to curb illegal tobacco and vape sales. The legislation, which received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026, establishes the UK’s first smoke‑free generation by prohibiting the sale of tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009.

A central feature of the new Act is its strengthened enforcement framework. The law enables the government to introduce a retail licensing scheme for the sale of tobacco and vaping products—an approach long called for by enforcement bodies concerned about the scale of illicit trading. According to industry reporting, the legislation explicitly includes new enforcement powers and the ability to implement a licensing regime aimed at tackling illicit tobacco and vape sales, giving local authorities and Trading Standards greater tools to intervene.

These powers come amid growing concerns that illegal tobacco and unregulated vape products are fuelling organised criminal activity and undermining legitimate retailers. Stakeholders have warned that without robust enforcement, measures such as the generational smoking ban risk driving demand underground. Retailers’ groups have also stressed the need for additional resources for Trading Standards to ensure the new licensing powers are used effectively to deter rogue traders.

Alongside enforcement reforms, the Act introduces tighter controls on advertising, packaging and in‑store displays of tobacco and vaping products, as well as expanded smoke‑free and vape‑free zones to protect children and vulnerable people. The government has framed the legislation as a decisive shift from treatment to prevention, backed by record investment in smoking cessation support.

Public health organisations have welcomed the law as a “watershed moment”, emphasising that stronger enforcement and licensing powers will be essential to achieving a smoke‑free future and reducing the harms caused by illicit products.