The Health Minister has welcomed the official passage of the Tobacco and Vapes Act into law, a significant move that extends to Northern Ireland and aims to eliminate tobacco use for future generations.

Under the new Act, it will be illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born on or after 1st January 2009. This rolling age limit, set to take effect next year, ensures that today's children and young people can never legally be sold tobacco. Furthermore, from 29th October 2026, the sale of non-nicotine vapes and other nicotine products to individuals under 18 will also be prohibited.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt commented: "Tobacco is uniquely harmful; no other consumer product kills two thirds of its users. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable illness and premature death, killing over 2,000 people every year in Northern Ireland. It is also a major cause of health inequalities, with the lung cancer rate in our most deprived areas two and a half times that of the least deprived. The Tobacco and Vapes Act is a landmark public health milestone, creating a smoke free generation for our children and young people. This significant piece of legislation will save lives and protect future generations from the harm of tobacco and nicotine addiction. This will also reduce the long-term pressure on Health and Social Care (HSC) services."

Current data shows that 15% of 11-to-18-year-olds in Northern Ireland use vapes. Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride raised concerns regarding this trend and the impact of nicotine on developing brains. Sir Michael stated: "The rise in the use of vapes among young people is concerning given the evidence of a gateway effect between vaping and subsequent cigarette use. Vapes carry the risk of addiction and the long-term risks will not become apparent for some time. The consumption of nicotine in children and young people can impact on brain development, leading to long-term consequences such as learning and anxiety disorders. This Act will protect our children and young people from the harm that nicotine causes. We also want to support those who are already dependent on nicotine. I would encourage anyone who smokes or vapes to use this opportunity to join the smoke-free generation and quit. There is no safe level of tobacco consumption, all tobacco is harmful. You can get help to stop smoking with HSC services in Community Pharmacies, GP Practices and local Trusts."

Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the Public Health Agency (PHA), also expressed support for the legislation, noting that over 9,500 people set a quit date through PHA services in the 2024/25 period.

Dr McClean said: "Tobacco and nicotine addiction remains a serious public health issue and concerns are also growing about the rise in vaping among young people. Evidence shows that many have never previously smoked, increasing the risk of nicotine addiction and widening future health inequalities. The PHA welcomes this important legislation, which represents a significant step forward in protecting future generations from the harms associated with tobacco and nicotine use. I encourage people to use this milestone public health legislation as an opportunity to take steps themselves to quit for good, and join the thousands of people across Northern Ireland who are making a positive change – improving their own health and protecting others from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. In 2024/25, a total of 9,587 people were reported to have set a quit date through PHA-funded stop smoking services in Northern Ireland. Nicotine harm prevention must start early and addressing this requires strong collaboration across government, health services, education, communities and families. Working in partnership, we can reduce harm, tackle health inequalities and create environments that support children and young people to grow up free from nicotine addiction."

The Department of Health will continue to work on a four-nation basis to implement the Act. While adults who can currently buy tobacco legally will still be able to do so, they are being encouraged to utilise HSC resources to quit.

Minister Nesbitt concluded: "I recognise that legislation is only part of the solution. We must continue to work to identify the remaining challenges and actions to keep the momentum going to create a truly smoke-free Northern Ireland. I am committed to improving the health and quality of life for everyone in our society."