New Delhi, April 21 -- The United Kingdom is on the verge of introducing one of the world's toughest anti-smoking laws, after a landmark bill aimed at creating a "smoke-free generation" cleared its final parliamentary hurdle. The legislation now awaits formal approval from King Charles III to become law.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, first introduced in 2024 under the current Labour government, was approved by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, marking a significant milestone in the country's public health policy.

At the heart of the legislation is a gradual but permanent ban on tobacco sales for younger generations. Under the new rules, individuals who do not turn 18 before January 1, 2027 will never be legally allowed to ...