The landmark legislation final draft has been approved by both the Commons and Lords, meaning anyone born after January 1, 2009, will never smoke.
The bill will make it illegal for shops to sell tobacco to those born after 2008 to create a smoke-free generation.
After it gets royal assent, ministers will also get the power to regulate tobacco, vaping and nicotine products.
UK clears smoking bill to create a smoke-free generation
As part of the bill, vaping will be banned in cars where children are present, in playgrounds, outside schools and at hospitals.
However, vaping will still be permitted outside of hospitals to support those trying to quit.
The plan does not affect pub gardens or wider open-air spaces such as beaches and parks.
Smoking and vaping in homes will still be legal.
Once the bill becomes law, the UK will join the Maldives as the second country in the world with a generational smoking ban.
In the UK, there are around 80,000 deaths caused by smoking, which creates an increased risk of health conditions such as strokes, heart disease, asthma and dementia.
Smoking has a large impact on the NHS, costing taxpayers around £3.1 billion a year and more than 75,000 GP appointments each month.
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Discussing the ban, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, called it a historical moment for the nation’s health.
Sharing: “Prevention is better than cure – this reform will save lives, ease pressure on the NHS, and build a healthier Britain.”
Do you agree with the smoking ban? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
