Britain approves anti-smoking law, bans sale to anyone under 17

Anyone aged 17 or younger in Britain, as well as anyone born in the future, will never be able to legally purchase cigarettes. A new bill imposing tough restrictions on smoking has been approved by the British Parliament, according to a report by Reuters .

Under the 'Tobacco and Vapes Bill', the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products will increase by one year each year. The law applies to those born on or after January 1, 2009 . For individuals in this age group, buying cigarettes will be banned for life .

The bill, which is expected to receive Royal Assent next week, also tightens controls on vaping. The sale of vaping and nicotine products to those under 18 has been banned. Additionally, restrictions have been imposed on the advertising, display, free distribution, and discounting of these products .

According to the British government, this measure will help reduce smoking and protect young people from nicotine addiction. It will also ease the long-term pressure on the National Health Service (NHS) .

Following the bill's approval, Health Secretary Wes Streeting hailed it as a 'historic moment' for the country's public health. He stated that children in the UK will be part of the first smoke-free generation, protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm. "Prevention is better than cure — this reform will save lives, ease pressure on the NHS and build a healthier Britain," he said .

According to government figures, smoking causes approximately 64,000 deaths each year in England alone . It costs the NHS around £3 billion annually, while the overall economic loss exceeds £20 billion .