UK Government Approves Landmark Tobacco Ban Proposed by Rishi Sunak

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Apr.17.2024
UK Government Approves Landmark Tobacco Ban Proposed by Rishi Sunak
UK government overwhelmingly supports landmark smoking ban proposed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, receiving strong opposition from some conservative MPs.

According to a report by euronews on April 16, the UK government overwhelmingly voted in favor of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's landmark smoking ban plan on Tuesday (16th).

 

Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last year announced a tobacco and e-cigarette bill that would ban the sale of tobacco products to anyone born after 2009. The bill passed on Tuesday (16th) with a vote of 383 in favor to 67 against. The Labour opposition frontbenches expressed their support for the plan, but 57 Conservative MPs voted against it.

 

According to the law, children aged 15 and under will never be able to legally purchase tobacco products. The legal age to buy cigarettes in the UK will increase by one year each year until a complete smoking ban is implemented. The law also includes measures to crack down on teenage use of e-cigarettes, such as banning the sale of low-cost disposable e-cigarettes and restricting their flavors to prevent children from becoming addicted to nicotine. Currently, selling cigarettes, tobacco products, and e-cigarettes to those under 18 is illegal in the UK.

 

Authorities say that the bill will create the UK's first "smoke-free generation".

 

Currently, the bill will enter the committee stage for further scrutiny.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

British American Tobacco Introduces Facial Age Verification in Italy, Pilot Covers 119 Stores
British American Tobacco Introduces Facial Age Verification in Italy, Pilot Covers 119 Stores
British American Tobacco’s Italian unit is partnering with digital identity firm Yoti to pilot facial-scan age verification at 119 pop-up stores nationwide, aiming to supplement traditional ID checks and prevent underage purchases of tobacco and nicotine products.
Dec.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tobacco and Japanese Artist VERDY Team Up Again for Limited-Edition Ploom AURA Collaboration Set
Japan Tobacco and Japanese Artist VERDY Team Up Again for Limited-Edition Ploom AURA Collaboration Set
Japanese artist VERDY has renewed his collaboration with Japan Tobacco’s heated tobacco brand Ploom to launch a limited-edition “Ploom AURA × Wasted Youth” set in December 2025, which will be sold via a one-day pop-up store in Tokyo’s Harajuku district through a lottery system, with part of the lineup also available in limited quantities on Ploom’s online platform.
Dec.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Juul Labs UK launches JUUL2 Peach flavour aimed at adult smokers
Juul Labs UK launches JUUL2 Peach flavour aimed at adult smokers
Juul Labs UK announced on January 1, 2026 the launch of a new JUUL2 Peach flavour, described as an adult-oriented addition that expands the JUUL2 flavour portfolio. The company said the flavour will roll out across the UK from January 1 through major retailers, wholesalers and convenience stores, offering adult smokers alternatives to transition away from cigarettes.
Jan.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
U.S. Fifth Circuit judges question FDA’s claim it has no de facto ban on flavored refillable e-cigarettes
U.S. Fifth Circuit judges question FDA’s claim it has no de facto ban on flavored refillable e-cigarettes
Law360 reports that a Fifth Circuit panel expressed skepticism about the FDA’s claim that it has no de facto ban on flavored refillable e-cigarette products, noting that only six applications had been approved out of hundreds of thousands and that near-100% denials look like a ban.
Jan.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Survey Shows E-cigarette Use Doubles Among Young Thais
Survey Shows E-cigarette Use Doubles Among Young Thais
Thailand’s latest national health survey shows a sharp increase in e-cigarette use among people under 30, particularly among female adolescents. Researchers found that vaping has not reduced overall tobacco harm and has instead driven growth in new nicotine users, with younger ages of initiation. Public health experts urged sustained enforcement and comprehensive policies centred on banning e-cigarettes, strengthening law enforcement and expanding public awareness to protect children and youth.
Dec.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Canada: “I Want My Pouches” launches during National Non-Smoking Week to push easier adult access to nicotine pouches
Canada: “I Want My Pouches” launches during National Non-Smoking Week to push easier adult access to nicotine pouches
Canadian consumer advocacy group I Want My Pouches announced its launch during National Non-Smoking Week, calling for straightforward, consistent and practical adult access to nicotine pouches.
Jan.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai