Liverpool City Council has reaffirmed its position as a national leader in public health by announcing it has signed the Pledge for a Smokefree UK, committing to go “further and faster” to reduce smoking prevalence to less than one per cent by 2040.
The announcement was made by the Leader of the Council, Cllr Liam Robinson, at the May Cabinet meeting, where he also welcomed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill becoming law, calling it a historic, once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to protect future generations from the harms of smoking.
From January 2027, people born on or after 1 January 2009 will never be legally sold tobacco products. The Bill also introduces tougher controls on vape advertising and access for young people and, subject to consultation, will enable the expansion of smokefree places.
Liverpool continues to lead nationally on tobacco control. Through delivery of its local tobacco control strategy, smoking rates in the city have declined faster than across both the North West and England.
In the last year alone, 3,644 smokers were supported to quit through the city’s local stop smoking service, Smoke Free Liverpool.
The Council is also at the forefront of creating smokefree environments, including smokefree homes, playgrounds, pavements and sports pitch sidelines. This work has been shortlisted for the Local Government Chronicle Public Health Intervention of the Year Award.
Enforcement activity remains a key part of Liverpool’s approach. In 2025/26, the Council’s Public Protection Alcohol and Tobacco Unit confiscated 536,668 illicit cigarettes, with a face value of £161,122.
Action to tackle underage vaping is also delivering results. Between 2023 and 2025, more than 250 test purchases were carried out, with attempted sales of vapes to minors falling sharply from 31 per cent to 10 per cent over the two‑year period.
Despite this progress, smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death, disease, and health inequality in Liverpool, prompting the Council to formally sign the Pledge for a Smokefree UK, developed by the Smokefree Action Coalition.
Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:
“By signing this pledge, we are committing to go further and faster.
“This will help ensure a future where no one in Liverpool is harmed by smoking and where our children are protected from the harms it brings.”
Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said:
“Smoking affects every neighbourhood in Liverpool, but it hits our most disadvantaged communities hardest. By signing the Pledge for a Smokefree UK, we are taking real action to support people to quit, protect children from addiction and create cleaner, healthier places for families.”
Professor Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council, said:
“Smoking remains the single biggest driver of preventable illness and unfair health outcomes in our city.
“The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, alongside the Council’s decision to sign the Pledge for a Smokefree UK, represents a decisive shift towards prevention. By acting now, we are protecting children, supporting people to quit and tackling health inequalities at their root. This commitment will save lives and help build a healthier Liverpool for generations to come.”
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
