Significant support among Londoners for ‘smoke free generation’ drive with new law just six months away

Two-thirds of Londoners support the goal to make England a country where no one smokes, according to the latest results of a public opinion poll.¹

1 July marked the six-month countdown until the UK Tobacco and Vapes Act becomes law, phasing out tobacco sales entirely and restricting nicotine products.

See how many weeks, days and hours until January 2027

The Act builds on the introduction, exactly 19 years ago, of legislation which transformed the nation’s health by ending smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces.

Since 1 July 2007, the smokefree law has protected millions from the harms of second-hand smoke, improved safety for workers, and prompted many smokers to try quitting. It has also contributed to thousands fewer hospital admissions for heart attacks, and reduced childhood asthma admissions as awareness of the risks of second-hand smoke in homes and cars has grown.

Despite this progress, tobacco is still the leading cause of preventable illness and death, killing over 74,000 people in England each year. Two out of every three lifelong smokers will die early due to completely avoidable smoking related causes.

Because of this, from 1 January 2027, the UK Tobacco and Vapes Act will mark an historic first step towards a Smokefree Generation – ensuring that anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 can never legally be sold tobacco products.

Latest figures for London show strong public support to reduce the death and disease of smoking:

• 66% of adults in London support a goal to make Britain a country where no-one smokes.
• Only 33% believe the Government is doing too much to limit smoking, while 44% believe it is not doing enough.
• 85% support requiring businesses to hold a valid license to sell tobacco – which can be removed if they are caught more than once for underage sales.
• 77% support a levy placed on the profits of tobacco manufacturers for measures to help smokers quit and prevent young people from taking up smoking.

In London overall, smoking rates have fallen significantly from 23% in 2005 to 10.2% in 2024.

Tracy Parr, Programme Director at Stop Smoking London, said:

“Londoners have sent a clear message: they want a future where no one has to live with the harms of smoking. With the Tobacco and Vapes Act just six months away from becoming law, we have a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to protect young people and support thousands more adults to quit for good.

“London has already shown what determined public health action can achieve – and partners across the capital are now focused on finishing the job and making a Smokefree Generation a reality.”

After passing through parliament and securing Royal Assent in April this year, the Tobacco and Vapes Act is expected to protect up to four million young people nationwide by preventing them being sold lethal tobacco products within the next five years², sparing them from a lifetime of addiction. This number could increase to six million, if more people who currently smoke are also helped with support to quit³.

1. ASH survey conducted by YouGov. Fieldwork was undertaken between 18/02/2026 –19/03/2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
2. Around 4 million children will turn 18 between 1 January 2027 and 1January 2031. Based on ONS population estimates for 11-15 year olds in 2024:
3. Based on setting a target of two million fewer people smoking.