The UK has banned the sale of cigarettes to those born after 2008

The law applies to people who are currently under 18 years of age and is intended to prevent them from developing a lifelong smoking habit.

In fact, the law provides for an automatic annual increase in the age at which the purchase of cigarettes and tobacco products will be allowed in the kingdom.

The legislation introduces new licensing and registration requirements for retailers, tightens product labeling rules, regulates advertising and sales promotion, and places additional restrictions on smoking and the use of e-cigarettes in public places.

New Zealand is a pioneer in introducing a complete phased smoking ban, where such a law was adopted in 2022. The Maldives followed in 2025.

The UK joins New Zealand, which passed similar legislation in 2022, and the Maldives, which followed suit in 2025.