Wales Passes Law Banning Tobacco Sales to Anyone Born After 2009

Key Points

• Vote outcome: 36 in favor, 2 abstentions, 9 against
• Law content: Ban on tobacco sales to those born in or after 2009; stricter vape advertising and flavor controls
• Enforcement: Strengthened Trading Standards powers to tackle illegal products
• Background: Youth vaping tripled in recent years; ~7% of Welsh secondary students vape weekly
• Supporters: Cancer Research Wales and ASH Wales

2Firsts, December 10, 2025 – According to the Welsh Parliament (Senedd), members have approved a landmark public health law banning tobacco sales to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009. The bill, which passed with 36 votes in favor, two abstentions, and nine against, aims to gradually create a “smoke-free generation” by raising the legal smoking age by one year every year.

The law, originally designed by the UK Government, required a separate vote in the Senedd as it falls within Wales’ devolved powers.

In addition to the generational tobacco ban, the legislation strengthens restrictions on how vapes and nicotine products are marketed and sold, imposes stricter rules on product flavors and descriptions, and provides Trading Standards with greater authority to combat illicit trade.

Smoking remains Wales’ leading cause of premature death, with thousands dying each year from smoking-related illnesses. Youth vaping has risen sharply, with nearly 7% of secondary school students now vaping weekly, and 16% of 16-year-olds reporting weekly use.

Deputy Health Minister Sarah Murphy stated: “We have seen a worrying rise in youth vaping and in illegal products on our streets. Decisive action is needed, and the Tobacco and Vapes Bill gives us the opportunity to take it.”

Peter Fox, Conservative MS and Chair of the Senedd’s Health Committee, added: “While vaping is less harmful than smoking, its long-term effects remain unknown, and young people often underestimate the risk of nicotine addiction.”

Conservative health spokesman James Evans noted that his party held a free vote but said he opposed the “generational smoking ban” element.

The Welsh Government said the law marks “the biggest step in a generation to protect children from addiction and smoking-related harm,” supported by charities including Cancer Research Wales and ASH Wales.

Image source: Senedd