A NEW law which will prevent young people from ever legally buying tobacco is getting closer to coming into force.
From January 1, 2027, it will be illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009.
The age of sale will then rise by one year each year, gradually phasing out the legal sale of tobacco. The law was passed as part of the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026.
The change means someone born on January 1, 2009 will be able to reach the age of 18 without ever being legally sold tobacco.
The government says the policy is intended to prevent future generations from starting smoking, rather than simply helping people to quit once they are addicted.
In Tameside, 15.7 per cent of people currently smoke, according to figures cited by the council, compared with the England average.
Councillor Mike Smith, Tameside Council’s First Deputy and Executive Member for Population Health and Wellbeing, said the change represented a significant moment for children growing up in the borough.
“On January 1 2027, we will take a historic step towards a future where children growing up in Tameside will never face the same risk of tobacco addiction as previous generations,” he said.
“The figures show that the public are firmly behind this change and highlight why preventing people from taking up smoking in the first place is so important. The Smokefree Generation gives us the opportunity to break the cycle and protect future generations from the devastating harms of smoking.
“With just 100 days to go, retailers, local authorities and enforcement agencies must work together to prepare for these changes, ensure the new law is properly implemented and enforced across Tameside, so that we can turn this historic opportunity into a smokefree future.”
The council says 66 per cent of people in the North West support the Smokefree Generation policy, while 77 per cent of people who have ever smoked say they would not have started if they could go back in time.
The new rules will also make it an offence for someone aged 18 or over to knowingly buy tobacco on behalf of a person born on or after January 1, 2009. Retailers will need to check that customers were born before the cut-off date where necessary.
The changes apply to tobacco products including cigarettes, rolling tobacco, cigars, shisha tobacco and cigarette papers. They do not mean that people who can currently legally buy tobacco will suddenly be banned from doing so.
For people who want to quit smoking now, Be Well Tameside offers free and confidential support, including personalised plans and access to nicotine replacement options. Support is available through Be Well Tameside or by calling 0161 342 5050.