Council welcomes landmark Tobacco and Vapes Act

Caerphilly County Borough Council has welcomed the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, following Royal Assent on 29 April, the most significant tobacco control legislation in a generation.

The new law will create a smoke-free generation by making it illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009, with restrictions taking effect from 1 January 2027. It also introduces new powers to regulate vaping and other nicotine products, helping to reduce their appeal to children and young people.

Trading Standards teams will play a key role in enforcing the new measures, including age-of-sale checks and tackling illegal tobacco and vape sales.

Cllr Philippa Leonard, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Public Protection, said “This is a major step forward in protecting young people from the harms of smoking and nicotine addiction.

“We fully support the ambition to create a smoke-free generation, and this legislation will strengthen the work already underway in the Caerphilly borough to tackle illegal sales and keep our communities safe and healthy.

“We look forward to working with partners to make sure these changes deliver real benefits for residents.”

Council welcomes landmark Tobacco and Vapes Act