What a Smoke Free Generation Means for Community Pharmacy
Published: 22nd April 2026
A landmark new law, will create a “smoke-free generation” by making it illegal for anyone born on or after 1st of January 2009 to ever buy tobacco.
This is a major step forward for public health and one that community pharmacy should be aware off. Pharmacy teams already support over 20,000 quit attempts each year through smoking cessation services. That’s a significant achievement - well done to everyone involved.
However, with over 650,000 people in Scotland still smoking, there is still a huge opportunity to help more people quit and improve their health.
This new legislation is likely to increase interest in quitting, making now the perfect time to:
Promote your smoking cessation service
Start more conversations with patients
Support more people to make a positive life change
A smoke-free generation may be on the horizon, but community pharmacy has a vital role to play right now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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The new law, reported by BBC News, means anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 will never be legally able to buy tobacco. The legal age will increase each year to gradually phase out smoking in future generations.
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This is likely to increase awareness and demand for quitting support. Pharmacy teams are in a strong position to help, already supporting over 20,000 quit attempts each year through accessible, trusted smoking cessation services.
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Pharmacy teams can take a proactive approach by starting conversations with patients, promoting their smoking cessation service, and ensuring staff are confident in offering support. Increased public attention
Today, I represented Community Pharmacy Scotland on BBC Scotland television and BBC Radio Scotland, discussing the availability of private flu vaccinations in community pharmacy and how people can prepare for winter