Today (1st July) marks 19 years since smokefree legislation transformed the nation’s health by ending smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces. Today also marks the six-month countdown until the next major new law will come in on 1st January: protecting future generations from lethal tobacco
Introduced on 1 July 2007, the hugely popular smokefree law has protected millions from the harms of second-hand smoke, improved safety for workers, and prompted many smokers to try quitting. It has also contributed to thousands fewer hospital admissions for heart attacks, and reduced childhood asthma admissions as awareness of the risks of second-hand smoke in homes and cars has grown.
Despite this progress, tobacco is still the leading cause of preventable illness and death, killing over 74,000 people in England each year. Two out of every three lifelong smokers will die early due to completely avoidable smoking related causes. Because of this, from 1 January 2027, the Smokefree Generation policy will ensure that anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 can never legally be sold tobacco products.
Latest figures for the South East show strong public support to reduce the death and disease of smoking:
• 67% of adults in the South East support a goal to make Britain a country where no-one smokes
• Only 10% believe the Government is doing too much to limit smoking. 44% believe the Government is not doing enough.
• 87% support requiring businesses to hold a valid license to sell tobacco – which can be removed if they are caught more than once for underage sales.
• 76% support a levy placed on the profits of tobacco manufacturers for measures to help smokers quit and prevent young people from taking up smoking
In South East, overall smoking rates have fallen significantly from 22% in 2005 to 10.6% of adults smoking in 2024.
The Smokefree Generation law is expected to protect up to 4 million young people across Great Britain from preventing them being sold lethal tobacco products within the next five years (2), sparing them from a lifetime of addiction. This number could increase to 6 million, if more people who currently smoke are also helped with support to quit (3)
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- (1) ASH survey conducted by YouGov. Fieldwork was undertaken between 18/02/2026 – 19/03/2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
- (2) Around 4 million children will turn 18 between 1st January 2027 and 1st January 2031.
- (3) Based on ONS population estimates for 11-15 year olds in 2024: Based on setting a target of 2 million fewer people smoking.