The Tobacco and Vapes Bill becomes law

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill completed its final stage in Parliament on 21 April 2026, and received royal assent on 29 April 2026 (which means it is now law!).

This landmark legislation aims to stop anyone born after 1st January 2009 from taking up smoking by making it illegal for shops to sell them tobacco. By creating this ‘smoke-free generation’, GM residents will benefit from a package of once-in-a-generational measures to tackle the health effects of smoking.

Now the Bill has royal assent, Ministers will also have new powers to regulate tobacco, vaping and nicotine products, including their flavours and packaging. Proposals are also being consulted on regarding make outdoor public spaces smoke-free, heated tobacco-free and vape-free, and plans are likely to be finalised over the coming months.

In GM, the Make Smoking History programme continues to champion our ambition to be a smokefree city region, working with partners and stakeholders to eradicate the biggest cause of preventable death, disability and ill health in our city region.

The public health charity ASH has produced a series of FAQs about some of the key elements of the Bill.