Britain enacts tobacco law to create smoke-free generation

Britain has enacted a landmark tobacco and vapes law aimed at creating the country's first smoke-free generation, the government said on Wednesday.

This legislation means today's children will never legally be sold cigarettes, breaking the cycle of addiction and disadvantage that has persisted for decades, the press release said.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which cleared Parliament last week after the House of Lords considered Commons amendments on April 20, received Royal Assent on Wednesday, making it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, according to a press release from the Department of Health and Social Care.

The legislation also introduces measures to tighten controls on vaping and nicotine products, including bans on advertising and sponsorship, as well as powers to restrict packaging, branding and product displays designed to appeal to children.

"This legislation marks a turning point for the nation's health. By ending the cycle of tobacco addiction for future generations, we are taking one of the boldest steps in decades to prevent illness before it even begins," said Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting.

Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death in Britain, responsible for around 80,000 deaths a year, the press release said.