The U.K. Parliament Tuesday passed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, a landmark piece of legislation that will permanently ban the sale of tobacco products to anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 2009, ultimately phasing it out for the entire population. Health Secretary Wes Streeting called it a "historic moment for the nation’s health." The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2027.

For Americans watching from across the pond, the question isn’t just whether this policy will work in Britain. It's whether anything like it could ever take root here in the United States.

The short answer is no — not at the federal level. But the longer answer is maybe, and it's already unfolding in Massachusetts and other states.

How the U.K.'s Smoking Ban Works

The mechanics of the law are simple. The U.K.’s current legal smoking age is 18. Under the new law, it rises by one year annually. Those born after 2008 are permanently locked out of the legal tobacco market, regardless of their age at the time of purchase.

For example, a 25-year-old born in 2009 won't be able to buy cigarettes in 2034. Same goes for a 50-year-old in 2059.

The bill does not ban smoking itself, nor does it criminalize possession. Cigarettes won’t be confiscated from those who already smoke. The intervention is at the point of sale: retailers must verify birth dates. The bill also grants ministers new regulatory powers over vaping products including controls on flavors and packaging. These are popular among youth in both the U.K. and the U.S.

The policy traces its lineage to New Zealand, which passed a similar Smokefree Environments amendment in........

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