UK bans cigarette sales to under-18s for lifetime access

UK parliament approved historic bill banning cigarette sales to anyone born after January 1, 2009 (now aged 17 and under) for their lifetime. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to create "first smoke-free generation" protected from addiction and harm.

When enacted, the law extends indoor smoking bans to outdoor spaces like children's playgrounds and areas outside schools and hospitals. It also gives government powers to restrict vape flavors and packaging, plus ban vaping where smoking is already prohibited.

The measure targets preventative health to ease pressure on UK's NHS. Smoking caused around 75,000 deaths in England last year—responsible for approximately one-quarter of all cancer deaths. Similar laws exist in New Zealand (repealed) and Maldives (born after Jan 1, 2007).

This global trend shows governments increasingly using generational approaches to combat tobacco addiction. Could Nigeria consider similar policies to address our high smoking-related healthcare costs?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/04/23/uk-bans-cigarette-sales-for-people-born-after-2008/