Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:55am on 22 Apr 2026,Wednesday International
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has cleared Parliament, meaning anyone aged 17 or younger today in the United Kingdom will never legally buy cigarettes. The law raises the legal smoking age annually, aiming to eliminate future smokers. It also expands government powers over nicotine product flavours, marketing, and packaging, while tightening vaping restrictions in areas like cars with children, playgrounds, schools, and hospitals. Health minister Baroness Merron called it a “landmark” intervention to save lives. Critics, including Lord Naseby, warned of impacts on retailers and stressed education over restrictions. (PC: X)
