NEWSROOM

From 1 January 2027, anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 will never legally be sold tobacco products.

The new law will create the UK’s first smoke-free generation by gradually increasing the age at which tobacco can be sold. It does not criminalise smoking or prevent anyone who can currently buy tobacco from continuing to do so.

Telford & Wrekin Council is joining organisations across the country to raise awareness of the change and help residents, retailers and partners prepare.

The legislation comes at an important time for the Borough. Around 11.9% of adults in Telford and Wrekin smoke. An estimated 360 children in the Borough start smoking each year, while around 8,890 children live in households where someone smokes.

Telford & Wrekin Council’s Smokefree Delivery Plan sets out a local commitment to prevent children and young people from starting smoking, protect residents from second-hand smoke, support more people to quit and strengthen action against illicit tobacco and vapes.

Councillor Kelly Middleton, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Unlocking Opportunities for All, said: “This landmark change is about giving children growing up in Telford and Wrekin the opportunity to live healthier lives, free from the addiction and harm caused by tobacco.

“Smoking continues to have a serious impact on local families and remains one of the biggest causes of preventable ill health. By working together, we can stop the next generation from starting while making sure that people who currently smoke are treated with compassion and can access the support they need to quit.

“The law will change in 100 days, but residents do not need to wait until January to make a positive change. Free, friendly and local support is available now through our Healthy Lifestyles team.”

The new age-of-sale rules apply to all tobacco products, including cigarettes, hand-rolled tobacco, cigars, shisha, chewing tobacco, heated tobacco and cigarette papers. Vapes and nicotine pouches are not included within the smoke-free generation age-of-sale policy.

Responsibility for complying with the new law will rest with retailers. The person attempting to buy tobacco will not commit an offence, and the legislation will not criminalise the possession or use of tobacco.

The Council will work with retailers, schools, health services and community partners over the coming months to explain the change and support its successful introduction.

Residents who smoke can also access free, confidential support from specialist Healthy Lifestyle Advisors. The service provides six structured one-to-one appointments over 12 weeks, available face-to-face, by telephone or through video calls.

Ready to crush the habit? Book a free call-back from the Healthy Lifestyles team: Get help to stop smoking or call 01952 382582.