Overview
Stopping smoking is one of the best things you'll ever do for your health. The earlier you quit smoking, the more you are likely to benefit. It's never too late because quitting will improve your health whatever your age and no matter how long you have smoked.
You’ll notice some benefits within days or weeks:
- your sense of taste and smell improve
- you start to breathe more easily
- you have more energy
You may think that smoking supports your mental wellbeing, and helps you to relax, deal with stress and anxiety and cope with life’s difficulties.
However, stopping smoking boosts mental health and wellbeing. Evidence shows that after the withdrawal stage of quitting, people have reduced anxiety, depression and stress.
People who have quit also report better mood compared with those who continue to smoke.
Tobacco and Vapes Act
The Tobacco and Vapes Act aims to create a smoke-free generation.
Key measures
Generational ban
Makes it illegal to sell the following to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009.
- tobacco products
- herbal smoking products
- cigarette papers
Raising the smoking age by one year, every year.
Vaping restrictions
Bans vape and nicotine product:
- advertising
- sponsorship
- free distribution
- sales from vending machines
It restricts child-friendly packaging and flavours.
Enforcement
Introduces a retail licensing scheme for sellers.
Strengthens public smoke-free and vape-free spaces, such as outside hospitals and schools.