Croydon Council’s Director of Public Health has welcomed the new Tobacco and Vapes Bill. The new law will make it illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. This will help break the cycle of addiction and protect children and young people in Croydon.

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable illness and death in the UK. In Croydon, it drives health inequalities, pushes families into poverty and harms children and young people.

The Council has been helping borough residents to Live Smoke Free by giving free, personalised support through the Council’s stop smoking service, Live Well Croydon. This campaign will be supported by the new legislation, which is one of the most significant public health reforms in generations.

The new law will also help tackle the challenge of youth vaping, with measures to ban the advertising and sponsorship of vapes and nicotine products, and restrictions on their packaging, branding and displays that are designed to appeal to children. These changes will protect future generations in Croydon from the risks of nicotine addiction, while ensuring vapes remain available and effective for adult smokers looking to quit.

The act also gives powers to strengthen smoke-free areas in certain public places, particularly to protect children and people who are medically vulnerable from second-hand smoke.

Ruth Hutchinson, Director of Public Health at Croydon Council said: “This landmark piece of legislation will save lives. By preventing future generations from ever being able to buy cigarettes, we have a real opportunity to end the cycle of addiction that keeps people trapped. We also strongly welcome the restrictions around advertising vapes to children and young people, which is a significant concern for many residents in Croydon.

“I would encourage anyone who is currently smoking to seek support to quit. It is never too late to stop smoking – and many people find that having the right support can make all the difference. Through the Council’s stop smoking service, Live Well Croydon, people can access free, personalised support and are up to four times more likely to quit successfully.”