The UK government’s landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill is set to be introduced in parliament on 20 March, bringing the vision of a smokefree generation one step closer, reports nhe.

The legislation will see all children turning 15 this year and younger be banned from buying tobacco products indefinitely. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the legislation at last year’s Conservative Party conference.

In addition to giving local authorities powers to impose fines of GBP 2,500, the Bill gives enforcement officers the power to impose on-the-spot fines of GBP 100 on those selling tobacco to minors.

Rishi said: “If we want to build a better future for our children we need to tackle the single biggest entirely preventable cause of ill-health, disability and death: smoking.” He added that the move will save thousands of lives and billions of NHS pounds that can be better spent improving patient care.

A crackdown on underage vaping is linked to the anti-smoking elements of the Bill. Flavours and packaging marketed to children will be outlawed, and vape products will be removed from sight children’s sight in shops. This will be further supported by a ban on the supply and sale of disposable vapes via separate environmental legislation this time next year, the report said.