The United Kingdom has advanced legislation that would prohibit anyone born after 2008 from buying tobacco. The draft law, which aims to create a “smoke-free generation,” has cleared both houses of parliament.

Only the king’s signature remains for it to become law. Once enacted, ministers will gain new powers to regulate tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products, including their flavours and packaging.

The measure is part of efforts to address smoking—a leading cause of preventable death, disability, and ill health in the UK. Vaping bans will expand to include cars carrying children, playgrounds, outside schools, and hospitals. However, vaping will remain permitted outside hospitals to support those quitting. Outdoor hospitality venues like pub gardens and open spaces such as beaches and private areas are excluded from restrictions. People will continue to smoke and vape indoors.

Only one other country, the Maldives, has a similar law targeting a “smoke-free generation.” New Zealand implemented such legislation but later overturned it after a government change.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting stated that prevention is better than cure—this reform will save lives, ease pressure on the NHS, and build a healthier Britain.

The House of Lords finalized minor technical adjustments to the bill, which had already passed all three readings in both parliamentary houses. Even opposition lawmakers did not resist passing six amendments.

Baroness Gillian Merron of the Labour Party, part of the Department of Health and Social Care, called the law “a landmark” and emphasized it would create a smoke-free generation, saving lives while being “the biggest public health intervention in a generation.”

Conservative peer Baron Naseby raised concerns about proposed fines of 200 pounds for retailers breaching age restrictions or selling to proxy buyers. He stated the government had not listened to industry representations and argued education on preventing smoking uptake is more critical than current measures.

Royal assent, requiring King Charles III’s signature, is a formality in the UK. The bill has already been included in one of the King’s speeches outlining legislative priorities.