CIEH welcomes Royal Assent of landmark legislation to protect future generations from smoking harms

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has welcomed Royal Assent being granted to the historic Tobacco and Vapes Bill, marking a major milestone in efforts to protect public health.

The legislation will phase out the sale of tobacco and help safeguard future generations from the well‑documented harms of smoking. CIEH believes this represents a significant breakthrough in public health in this country.

Under the new law, anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 will never be legally sold tobacco products. The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 also introduces measures to regulate vaping, including steps designed to reduce the appeal of vapes to children and young people.

Royal Assent of the Bill is a crucial step in reducing smoking prevalence and, over time, lowering rates of smoking‑related illness and premature death.

Environmental health professionals will play a vital role in the successful implementation of the new legislation, ensuring regulations are effectively enforced and that public health is protected at a local level.

The creation of additional smoke‑free spaces will further reduce the visibility of smoking to children and young people in places such as parks, playgrounds and areas near schools, while also supporting people who are trying to quit by limiting where smoking is considered acceptable.

Mark Elliott, President of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), said:

“Environmental health professionals have a long and proud history of confronting the harms caused by tobacco. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill becoming law marks a significant milestone in the effort to end the undeniable damage smoking inflicts on individuals and communities and moves us closer to achieving a smoke‑free generation.

“It is also encouraging to see broad support for this legislation across Parliament and the devolved nations. A coordinated approach to implementation, supported by clear guidance and an adequate lead‑in period, will be essential to ensuring consistent, effective enforcement.

“Our members will play a central role in putting these new measures into practice, once again demonstrating the vital contribution the environmental health profession makes in protecting and improving public health.”