Landmark law celebrated as Tameside 100-day countdown to a smokefree generation begins

IN 100 days from now, future generations in Tameside and across the country will be protected from ever being legally sold tobacco.

This landmark law will spare young people from the harms of tobacco, as figures show strong public support for the landmark Smokefree Generation policy. 66% of people in the North West support the policy, highlighting the strength of public backing for action to prevent children from the harms of tobacco.

Meanwhile, 77% of people who have ever smoked say that if they could go back in time, they would not start smoking. Together, these findings underline the case for action to break the cycle of smoking for future generations. 

From 1 January 2027, it will be illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. The age of sale will then increase by one year every year, eventually phasing out the sale of tobacco across the UK. 

The Smokefree Generation policy represents a major shift in the UK's approach to tobacco – moving beyond helping people quit after they become addicted, towards preventing future generations from becoming addicted in the first place. The measure is expected to protect around four million young people nationally from tobacco within the next five years. 

In Tameside, 15.7% of people currently smoke, which is higher than the England average. 

Tameside Council’s First Deputy and Executive Member for Population Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Michael Smith said: “On January 1 2027, we will take a historic step towards a future where children growing up in Tameside will never face the same risk of tobacco addiction as previous generations. 

“The figures show that the public are firmly behind this change and highlight why preventing people from taking up smoking in the first place is so important. The Smokefree Generation gives us the opportunity to break the cycle and protect future generations from the devastating harms of smoking. 

“With just 100 days to go, retailers, local authorities and enforcement agencies must work together to prepare for these changes, ensure the new law is properly implemented and enforced across Tameside, so that we can turn this historic opportunity into a smokefree future.” 

Be Well Tameside provides free and confidential advice to help residents quit smoking, offering personalised plans, ongoing support and access to nicotine replacement options.

For anyone planning to stop smoking or wanting to improve their health, support is available.

For free and confidential help to quit smoking, contact Be Well Tameside at www.tameside.gov.uk/bewelltameside or call 0161 342 5050.