The Welsh Senedd has voted to support the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill, a crucial step towards creating Wales' first smoke-free generation. This UK-wide legislation will make it illegal for anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, to ever purchase tobacco products. The Bill, having passed the House of Commons, is currently under review by the House of Lords.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister Sarah Murphy hailed the vote as a "historic day for public health in Wales," emphasizing the Bill's role in protecting young people from lifelong nicotine addiction. Wales has been a pioneer in smoke-free measures, already restricting smoking in outdoor public spaces like hospital grounds and playgrounds. "This Bill provides us with a unique opportunity to tackle smoking and the growing issue of youth vaping," Murphy stated.
Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Professor Isabel Oliver, echoed this sentiment, calling the Bill a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to break the cycle of tobacco addiction that kills thousands annually. Beyond the generational ban, the legislation introduces stricter rules on vape advertising to prevent targeting children and establishes a new licensing scheme for retailers. To support enforcement, the Welsh Government has committed over £650,000 to Trading Standards Wales over the next three years to tackle illegal tobacco and vape sales.
