Directors of Public Health across the South West of England have welcomed Royal Assent of the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, describing it as a once-in-a-generation moment in the fight against the leading cause of preventable death in the region.

The new Act – which introduces a generational ban on the sale of tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009, new powers to create further smoke-free places, a UK-wide ban on vape advertising and sponsorship, and a licensing scheme for retailers of tobacco and nicotine products – received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026. The generational age-of-sale provisions are expected to come into force from 1 January 2027.

In February 2026, the Directors of Public Health of the South West, alongside their council leaders, wrote jointly to the Minister for Public Health and Prevention, urging the Government to ensure the Bill’s swift and undiluted passage through its final Parliamentary stages. This announcement means that call has been answered.

Cllr Gill Taylor (Portfolio Holder for Housing, Communities and Prevention, Dorset Council) said:

This law marks a turning point. It protects future generations from the harms of smoking and gives people who smoke today a clear moment to quit, with free help available locally. That can mean longer, healthier lives for thousands of people across our communities.”

A moment for 520,000 people in the region to quit smoking

While the generational ban will protect future generations, public health leaders are urging the more than 520,000 adults across the South West who currently smoke to use this moment as a prompt to stop for good.

The latest NHS data shows that momentum is already building: nearly 26,000 people in the South West pledged to stop smoking in the year to March 2025 – up from around 15,000 the year before – and 13,500 of them had not smoked a cigarette four weeks into their quit attempt, a 79% increase on the previous year.

Sam Crowe (Director of Public Health, Dorset Council) added:

The new Tobacco and Vapes legislation is a huge step towards a smoke-free future.  By stopping the next generation from ever starting to smoke, we can break the cycle of addiction that has harmed families and communities for decades.

Most people who smoke want to quit, but nicotine addiction is powerful. Evidence shows that people are far more likely to quit successfully when they have access to tailored, evidence‑based support, rather than being left to try alone. We’re very proud that we offer the full range of high‑quality smoking cessation services in Dorset but we need to keep working hard to reach those communities experiencing the highest smoking rates and the greatest burden of smoking‑related illness.

Over the next 5 years we need to support another 15,000 people to quit if we’re to reach the target of a smoke-free Dorset.

How to get free help to stop smoking

People who smoke in Dorset can access a range of free support and services by contacting LiveWell Dorset at www.livewelldorset.co.uk or by calling 0800 840 1628.

The South West Association of Directors of Public Health is continuing to work with council leaders, the NHS, Trading Standards and voluntary and community sector partners towards the regional ambition of a smoke-free South West by 2030.