Croydon Council has welcomed new legislation aimed at protecting children and young people from smoking and vaping, as reported by our sister title London Now.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will make it illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, in a move intended to prevent lifelong addiction.
The legislation also introduces tighter restrictions on vape advertising and branding to reduce the appeal of products to children, London Now reports, where further details of the new laws can be read.
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."
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable illness and death in the UK, and in Croydon it drives health inequalities and pushes families into poverty, and harms children and young people.
The new law is expected to support the council’s ongoing efforts to reduce smoking rates across the borough through its Live Well Croydon programme.
The council offers free, personalised stop smoking support to residents.
Ms Hutchinson said: "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."
The legislation also aims to reduce youth vaping by banning advertising and sponsorship of vapes and nicotine products.
The bill also includes restrictions on their packaging, branding and displays that are designed to appeal to children.
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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.
A government consultation on smoke-free, heated tobacco-free, and vape-free places across England is currently underway.
Croydon residents are encouraged to share their views before the consultation closes at 11:59pm on 8 May 2026.
More information on stop smoking support is available on the council’s website.
