The Faculty of Public Health in Wales welcomes the passing of the Tobacco and Vapes Act.
Tobacco is a uniquely harmful product and 3,845 deaths, more than one in ten amongst over 35s, are caused by smoking every year in Wales.
By preventing tobacco companies from selling these products to anyone born after 1 January 2009, the Act will protect future generations of young people in Wales from these harms.
In addition to this landmark measure, the Act also provides UK and Welsh Governments with powers to licence the retail sale of tobacco and vaping products, create more smokefree public spaces and address the way in which vaping products are marketing, in particular where they target children and young people.
We encourage these governments to use their new powers to ensure the people of Wales get the greatest possible benefit from this pioneering legislation.
