Public health leads at Northumberland County Council have welcomed Royal Assent for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill as a landmark moment.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill raises the age of sale for all tobacco products one year every year from 2027 onwards. This means that tobacco can never be legally sold to anyone aged 15 or younger this year.

Gill O’Neill, Northumberland executive director of public health, said: “I am delighted to see that the new legislation means anyone born after January 1st 2009 will never legally be allowed to be sold cigarettes in England.

“This will prevent children from ever taking up smoking, which will give them the best possible start in life and help us work towards the first smokefree generation.

The Bill raises the age of sale for all tobacco products one year every year from 2027 onwards. Picture from Pixabay.

placeholder image — The Bill raises the age of sale for all tobacco products one year every year from 2027 onwards. Picture from Pixabay.

“The region has a clear vision for a Smokefree Future, which is supported by all local councils and NHS trusts.”

Coun Eve Chicken, Northumberland County Council’s cabinet member for public health, said: “Smoking is the biggest cause of ill health, disability and death in the country, so we need to do all we can to prevent our children from ever starting the habit and I am delighted that this new Bill is a fantastic opportunity to do just that.

“I would also like to remind smokers in Northumberland that there is lots of free support available and I would encourage anyone who wants to quit smoking, to ask for help.”

A variety of free support is available in Northumberland to stop smoking. Find out more at www.stopsmokingnorthumberland.co.uk or call 01670 813135.