The government have spared the next generation of smoking and vaping by bringing in a law to encourage a smoke free society. The bill was granted by Royal Assent last week which makes it illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born after 1st January 2009. This means that anyone born after this date will never legally be allowed to purchase cigarettes at any point during their lifetime. The aim is to reduce addiction and dependence on the substance that has caused health challenges and cost the NHS millions of pounds in subsequent care.

Currently, smoking related illnesses remain the leading preventable cause of death of people in the UK at about 80, 000 deaths per year. Smoking is a major cause of cancer, heart disease, stroke and lung disease and we are subsequently set to see a huge decrease in these figures in years to come.

Alongside this bill, there is help and support to people who are hoping to quit. Vaping will now be illegal for anyone under the age of 18 but vaping will still be accessible to those who are legal as an attempt to aid quitting smoking cigarettes.

Last week, we explored the healthy life expectancy for people in the UK and discussed that the UK has one of the lowest healthy life expectancies. The smoking and vaping bill could help to increase the health of older people over the years to come.

https://www.gov.uk/government/...

1. What is the main goal of the Tobacco and Vapes bill becoming law?

2. How will the law prevent young people from buying tobacco?

3. What additional measures does the law include regarding vaping?