New Tobacco Law Passed to Create Sheffield’s First Smokefree Generation

Smokefree Sheffield has welcomed the historic Tobacco and Vapes Act. This landmark law will protect local children from a lifetime of addiction by permanently phasing out cigarette sales and clamping down on youth vaping.

The legislation received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026 and will make it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. The law is designed to gradually phase out smoking among future generations and reduce the long-term health harms caused by tobacco.

Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of illness and death in the UK, causing serious conditions including cancer, heart disease, stroke, COPD and dementia. The new legislation also introduces further powers to regulate vaping and nicotine products, including restrictions designed to reduce their appeal to children and young people.

Greg Fell, Director of Public Health for Sheffield, said:

“This is a significant moment for public health and for future generations across Sheffield and the UK. While we celebrate this huge moment for tobacco control, our work is not over. We need to ensure the new law is properly implemented right here in Sheffield, which will involve a lot of activity over the next few months, not least of all to support Trading Standards as they ensure retailers and the public are ready for the changes.”

The Tobacco and Vapes Act will be introduced in stages over the next few years, with some measures taking effect immediately and others subject to further government consultation.

From 29 April 2026, a new legal definition of tobacco products makes advertising all tobacco products, including heated tobacco, illegal.

Further measures follow later this year. About six months after the Act becomes law (around October 2026), the minimum sale age of 18 will apply to all nicotine products, including nicotine pouches and zero-nicotine vapes. The free distribution of vapes and nicotine products will also be banned, and vending machine sales will be restricted.

From 1 January 2027, a generational sales ban begins, preventing anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 from legally buying tobacco. Additional restrictions, including bans on vaping ads, are expected to take effect from June 2027.

Between 2027 and 2029, further measures such as smokefree spaces, packaging and display restrictions to vapes and other novel nicotine products, and retailer licensing are planned, subject to public consultation.

While the generational ban protects future generations, Smokefree Sheffield is committed to supporting those currently struggling with addiction. We urge anyone in Sheffield who wants to quit smoking to reach out and take advantage of the free, specialist support we offer

To access support from Smokefree Sheffield, call: