1st June 2026
Smoke-free generation: Anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 will never legally be sold tobacco, with implementation beginning from January 2027.
Measures to support a reduction in young people vaping: The Act gives government powers to regulate vape flavours, packaging, branding, displays, advertising and sponsorship to reduce appeal to young people and general visibility. The detail of how these powers will be implemented is yet to come.
Nicotine pouches are included: Nicotine pouches are now clearly regulated as age-restricted nicotine products, including:
- Ban on sales to under-18s - this was a previous grey area as there was no law saying shops couldn't sell, give to under 18s.
- Restrictions on adverts and promotions directly targeting young people.
- Powers to regulate packaging, flavours, branding and displays.
Retail and enforcement: Stronger retailer controls and enforcement powers aim to reduce underage sales and the sale of illicit products.
Public health focus: The Act shifts policy further toward prevention, environmental change and reducing the normalisation of nicotine use among future generations.
Practical implications for education and other youth settings:• This law gives a strong national policy support for prevention-led youth vaping education.
• We should see greater emphasis on reducing visibility and social normalisation of nicotine products
In addition education around vaping, nicotine pouches will be prioritised as settings prepare for the changes the bill will bring UK wide.
In summary:
This legislation is not an immediate ban on current adult smoking or nicotine use, but a long-term strategy to phase out tobacco for future generations while tightening controls on access to all nicotine products for young people, including vaping and nicotine pouches.
It will take secondary motions from governments to actually make these changes; the main impact right now is more ministerial power to do the work and pass the regulations in time. For the work we do at The Talk About Trust, this legislation strengthens the case for widespread delivery of trusted adult training, social norms approaches, and clear young people-facing prevention strategies that now fully align with national policy direction.
References:
UK Government. “Tobacco and Vapes Bill becomes law.” GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/tobacco-and-vapes-bill-becomes-law
Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH). “Tobacco & Vapes Bill receives Royal Assent.” Available at: https://www.adph.org.uk/2026/04/tobacco-vapes-bill-receives-royal-assent/
University of Bath. “Tobacco control researchers welcome the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Act.” Available at: https://www.bath.ac.uk/announcements/tobacco-control-researchers-welcome-the-landmark-tobacco-and-vapes-act/
ASH Scotland. “Scottish coalition on tobacco celebrates strong public health promoting measures becoming law.” Available at: https://ashscotland.org.uk/scottish-coalition-on-tobacco-celebrates-strong-public-health-promoting-measures-becoming-law/
FAQ from ASH: https://ash.org.uk/campaigns/the-tobacco-and-vapes-bill/frequently-asked-questions