In 100 days, children born from 1 January 2009 will be part of a new smokefree generation, as new laws come into force preventing them from ever being legally sold tobacco.
The countdown begins as new figures show strong support for the Smokefree Generation policy, with 66% of people in the North West supporting the policy. Meanwhile, 77% of people in the region who smoke say that, if they could go back in time, they would not start smoking.
Together, the findings highlight support for action to prevent future generations from becoming addicted to tobacco and break the cycle of smoking.
From 1 January 2027, it will be an offence to sell tobacco products, herbal smoking products or cigarette papers to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. The age of sale will then increase by one year every year.
The change is part of a wider approach to preventing young people from starting to smoke, alongside continued support for people who currently smoke to quit.
For Liverpool, the legislation comes at an important time. 11.9% of adults in the city currently smoke, and smoking continues to be an important contributor to preventable illness and health inequalities.
Smoking is also more common in some of Liverpool’s most disadvantaged communities, meaning the health impacts of tobacco are not felt equally across the city.
The new law will not criminalise people who currently smoke. Instead, it changes who tobacco, herbal smoking products and cigarette papers can legally be sold to. From 1 January 2027, it will also be an offence for someone aged 18 or over to buy, or attempt to buy, these products on behalf of someone born on or after 1 January 2009.
With 100 days to go, Liverpool City Council is encouraging tobacco retailers, enforcement partners, health services and communities to prepare for the changes and make sure people understand what the new law will mean.
Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing & Culture at Liverpool City Council, said:
“In 100 days, we will take an important step towards a future where children and young people growing up in Liverpool are less likely to experience the harms of tobacco.
“We know that smoking often starts when people are young, and once someone becomes addicted it can be very difficult to stop. Preventing that first step is an important part of reducing the harm smoking causes.
“This is a significant change for retailers and our communities, which is why the 100-day countdown is an important opportunity to make sure everyone understands the new rules and is ready for them.
“Alongside this, we will continue to support people across Liverpool who want to stop smoking. This is about helping people live healthier lives now, while protecting future generations from the harms of tobacco.”
Professor Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool, said:
“While smoking rates have fallen over time, too many people are still living with the health and financial consequences of tobacco addiction, and we know that smoking is more common in some of our most disadvantaged communities.
“Preventing young people from starting to smoke is therefore an important part of our long-term work to improve health across the city.
“The new age-of-sale law provides an opportunity to break the cycle of tobacco addiction for future generations. But legislation alone is not enough. We also need to continue making sure people who smoke can access effective, non-judgemental support to quit.
“As we approach 1 January, I would encourage retailers and partners across Liverpool to familiarise themselves with the new requirements and help us make sure the changes are understood and implemented effectively.”
The Council is encouraging tobacco retailers to familiarise themselves with the new requirements ahead of January, including the updated age-of-sale notice that must be displayed at points of sale. Retailers should also be aware of the new rules around proxy purchasing.
The Council will continue to work with partners to support people who smoke to quit and to reduce the health inequalities associated with tobacco.
Support to quit smoking
Anyone in Liverpool who needs support to quit smoking can access free, confidential help from Smoke Free Liverpool:
- Call: 0151 374 2535
- Text: QUIT1 to 61825
The Council will continue to work with partners to support people who smoke to quit and to reduce the health inequalities associated with tobacco.
