The Senedd has voted to support the Legislative Consent Motion for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, marking a major moment in Wales’ efforts to create protect future generations from the harms caused by tobacco.

This decision follows years of committed work by charities, health bodies, researchers and community groups across Wales. ASH Wales has proudly led much of this work for five decades, advocating for stronger measures to reduce smoking and improve health for communities across the country.

School children from Llanyrafon Primary School joined Members of the Senedd and members of the Wales Tobacco Control Alliance at the Senedd to celebrate the vote and gather pledges backing their shared vision of a Smokefree Generation.

Once the Bill completes its progress through the UK Parliament, it can be implemented in full in Wales.

A milestone for public health

Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Isabel Oliver, said: 

“Tobacco addiction kills thousands in Wales every year and continues to drive deep inequalities in health. This Bill offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to break that cycle and protect future generations from a product that has caused immeasurable harm.”

The Bill raises the age of sale for tobacco year by year so that anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 will never be legally sold tobacco. Its aim is simple: stop addiction taking hold in the first place.

It also introduces measures to reduce youth vaping through restrictions on child-focused flavours, packaging and branding. The Bill expands rules on advertising and promotion, closes gaps in regulation for all nicotine products and prevents free vapes being handed to under-18s.

The enforcement framework will be strengthened through £200 Fixed Penalty Notices for underage sales, and new powers for Welsh Ministers to introduce retailer licensing, expand smokefree public spaces, ban vape vending machines and set tighter rules for advertising and product design.

Leadership from Wales

Chief Executive of ASH Wales, Suzanne Cass, said: “

This is an historic day for Wales. It represents half a century of work by ASH Wales and years of coordinated campaigning from organisations across the country.

“Welsh Government has already shown leadership, from smokefree playgrounds to smokefree hospitals, and once again they have listened to the people of Wales and acted to protect children from the world’s deadliest legal consumer product.”

“With Scotland, Northern Ireland and England already progressing, today’s decision ensures Wales is not left behind at a critical moment for tobacco control.”

“Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in Wales, with the greatest burden falling on our most deprived communities.  This vote marks one of the most significant public health reforms in a generation, signaling a clear commitment to reducing cancer, tackling inequality and protecting young people long into the future.

“Tobacco addiction still has a firm grip on our communities with more than 320,000 adults in Wales still smoking, we need to ensure we also strengthening support to help people quit so that no community is left behind.”

Voting result

The Legislative Consent Motion was approved with 36 votes in favour, 2 abstentions and 9 against.