Directors of Public Health across the South West of England have welcomed Royal Assent of the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, describing it as a once-in-a-generation moment in the fight against the leading cause of preventable death in the region.
The new Act, which introduces a generational ban on the sale of tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009; new powers to create further smoke-free places; a UK-wide ban on vape advertising and sponsorship; and a licensing scheme for retailers of tobacco and nicotine products, received Royal Assent on Wednesday 29 April.
The generational age-of-sale provisions are expected to come into force from 1 January 2027.
In February 2026, the Directors of Public Health of the South West, alongside their Council Leaders, wrote jointly to the Minister for Public Health and Prevention, urging the Government to ensure the Bill’s swift and undiluted passage through its final Parliamentary stages.
While the generational ban will protect future generations, public health leaders are urging the more than 520,000 adults across the South West who currently smoke to use this moment as a prompt to stop for good.
The latest NHS data shows that momentum is already building: nearly 26,000 people in the South West pledged to stop smoking in the year to March 2025, up from around 15,000 the year before, and 13,500 of them had not smoked a cigarette four weeks into their quit attempt, a 79 per cent increase on the previous year.
People who smoke in Devon can access free support in several ways:
- Local specialist stop smoking services: If you live in Devon and currently smoke, you could be eligible for FREE support from your local Stop Smoking Service via https://stopforlifedevon.org/
- Smoke Free App: Free to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play for people in Devon, providing an evidence-based tool that offers 24/7 support, progress tracking, motivational messages and more. Search ‘Smokefree App’.
- Your GP or community pharmacies offering Stop Smoking Primary Care services: Both can offer advice and treatment on stop-smoking medicines and refer you into local services. www.smokefreedevon.org.uk/primarycare/
- Smokefree Workplace initiative: Free support to Devon organisations to help them become smokefree, protecting their workforce and supporting a healthier local economy. www.smokefreedevon.org.uk/employers
The South West Association of Directors of Public Health is continuing to work with Council Leaders, the NHS, Trading Standards and voluntary and community sector partners towards the regional ambition of a smoke-free South West by 2030.
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