The South East Smokefree Alliance (SESA), alongside the South East Association of Directors of Public Health has welcomed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill as it receives Royal Assent on 29 April, describing it as the most significant public health legislation in a generation.

The Bill will prevent anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 from ever being legally sold tobacco, creating a smokefree generation. It also gives ministers new powers to regulate tobacco, vaping and nicotine products, including controls on packaging and flavours, tougher rules on advertising and promotion, and expanded restrictions on where smoking and vaping can take place.

Under the legislation, vaping will be banned in cars carrying children, playgrounds, outside schools and hospital grounds, extending existing smoke-free protections, while still allowing vaping outside hospitals to support people trying to quit smoking.

Dr Sarah Milne, Lead of the South East Smokefree Alliance, said:

“This Bill is a clear statement of intent that we no longer accept smoking as an inevitable cause of illness, disability and early death. By stopping the next generation from ever starting, and by tightening controls on tobacco and vaping products, the government is acting decisively to protect health rather than simply treat harm after it occurs.

Legislation on this scale only happens when the evidence is overwhelming. Smoking remains one of our leading causes of preventable death, and this law recognises that prevention is not only possible, but essential.”

Smoking continues to place a heavy burden on individuals, families and public services across the South East. While the Bill focuses on preventing uptake, regional leaders stress that support for existing smokers remains vital.

Dr Milne added:

“People who want to stop smoking are up to three times more likely to quit for good when they use local Stop Smoking Services. Across the South East, we have made access easier by introducing a simple, frictionless way for anyone to request a callback from their local service, no matter which of our council areas they live in.”

The welcome is shared by the South East Association of Directors of Public Health (SE ADPH), which brings together all 17 Directors of Public Health across the South East of England to tackle the region’s most pressing public health challenges.

Darrell Gale, Chair of SE ADPHsaid:

“Creating a smokefree generation will save lives and reduce health inequalities for decades to come. This Bill gives the country the tools to prevent addiction before it starts, while reinforcing the importance of strong, accessible quit support for those who already smoke.”

SESA represents 18 local authorities and delivers coordinated campaigns and services across the region, including the “Quit Smoking, Feel Happier” campaign, helping tens of thousands of people who smoke to take steps toward quitting by explaining how nicotine addiction affects the brain, stress and mental wellbeing.

To access free stop smoking support or request a callback from local services, visit www.quittogetherlivebetter.com