New Law Could Stop 60,000 Cornish Smokers From Ever Starting

Anyone born after the start of 2009 will never legally be able to buy tobacco in this country. That is the reality from today, after the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 received Royal Assent.

Cornwall Council has welcomed the news, with public health leaders calling it one of the most significant pieces of health legislation in decades.

What the new law does

The Act introduces what is being called a smokefree generation policy. In practice, it means anyone born on or after the 1st of January 2009 will never be legally sold tobacco products, no matter their age.

It also brings in fresh restrictions on vapes, targeting the flavours, packaging and display rules that critics say have made the products attractive to children and teenagers.

Cornwall’s smoking problem

The numbers behind smoking in the Duchy are stark. Around 13% of adults in Cornwall smoke, which works out at almost 60,000 people.

According to figures from stop smoking charity Ash, smoking costs Cornwall in the region of £542 million every year when you add up lost productivity and healthcare costs.

‘A health gap that has persisted for far too long’

Dr Eunan O’Neill, Director of Public Health for Cornwall, said the measures would make a real dent in long-standing problems.

“This is one of the most important public health measures in a generation. Smoking continues to be the single largest preventable cause of death and ill health in Cornwall, and it remains a major driver of the health inequalities we see between our most and least deprived communities. The measures in this Bill will protect children from a lifetime of addiction and help close a health gap that has persisted for far too long,” Eunan said.

He also pointed to the vaping side of the new law, which has been a growing concern in Cornish schools and communities.

“We are also pleased to see decisive action on youth vaping. Vapes have an important role in helping adult smokers to quit, but the rise in vaping among children and young people who have never smoked is a real concern locally, and the new restrictions are a proportionate response,” he said.

Council backing

Cllr Thalia Marrington, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health, said tackling tobacco and youth vaping had been a priority for the council.

“The measures in this Bill will make a real difference to the health and life chances of people in Cornwall, and particularly to our children and young people. Tackling the harms caused by tobacco and by youth vaping has been a clear priority for this council, and we welcome the steps government has now taken,” Thalia said.

“We will continue to work with our public health team, regional partners and local communities to make sure these changes are implemented effectively and that local people feel the benefit.”

Anyone looking for help to give up smoking can find local support through the Smokefree Cornwall pages on the Healthy Cornwall website.