UK enacts permanent ban on tobacco sales for those born after 2009

The UK Parliament has given final approval to a bill that will permanently ban the sale of tobacco to anyone born after January 1, 2009. The legislation, awaiting only royal assent, means that individuals in this age group will be unable to legally purchase cigarettes even when they become adults. Fines will be imposed for selling tobacco or buying it on behalf of those violating the new regulations.

The British government's decision is a measure aimed at tackling youth smoking and the socioeconomic burden associated with it. In 2024, there were over 5 million smokers aged 18 and over in the UK, with a significant proportion in the 25-34 age bracket. The economic losses, amounting to tens of billions of pounds annually due to reduced productivity and healthcare costs, also served as a backdrop for this decision.

The Maldives implemented a law banning tobacco purchases for those born after 2007 starting in 2024. New Zealand repealed its tobacco sales ban law following a change in government in 2023.