Fifty three million adults smoke in the UK and 2,600 18 to 25-year-olds start smoking every week.
In Nottingham, this figure is almost double, making it hard to imagine a world where 50-year-olds could be turned away from a corner shop for being too young.
From January 1 2027, this will become the case.
What is it?
The UK government has passed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, meaning that anyone born after 2008 will never be legally allowed to buy cigarettes or tobacco products.
The ban is part of a wider effort to create a “smoke-free generation” and reduce long-term health issues linked to smoking, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and respiratory problems.
Who does it affect?
Currently, it is illegal to sell cigarettes to anyone under 18, but from the start of 2027 that age will begin to rise every year.
This means that anyone currently under 18 will never legally be able to buy tobacco products in their lifetime.
Anyone who is already over 18 will still be able to buy cigarettes and tobacco products as normal.
What does it cover?
The bill focuses on both smoking and vaping, but treats them differently.
For tobacco, sales will be gradually phased out for younger generations through the rising age limit.
What about vapes?
E-cigarette use remained highest among people aged 16 to 24 years in Great Britain, with 13.0% using e-cigarettes either daily or occasionally.
Vapes and nicotine pouches, however, are not being banned.
Instead, the government is introducing stricter rules around how they are sold and promoted.
This includes limits on advertising and sponsorship, as well as tighter controls on colourful packaging, flavours and how products are displayed in shops, particularly to reduce their appeal to younger people.
Aim to reduce nicotine addiction while still allowing existing smokers access to alternatives.
“Children in the U.K. will be part of the first smoke-free generation, protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm,” Health Secretary Wes Streeting said.