Tobacco and vapes bill to be introduced to Parliament
All four UK nations will be covered by the legislation.
Proposed legislation aimed at creating the "first smoke-free generation" in Wales and England will be introduced in the House of Commons later.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will make it illegal for anyone born after January 1st 2009 to buy such products.
Almost 4 thousand deaths are caused by smoking in Wales every year.
The Welsh Government's pledged to make Wales smoke free by 2030.
Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Sarah Murphy, said:“I am pleased to see this strengthened Bill introduced as it underlines our commitment to tackle smoking; to break the cycle of nicotine addiction and pave the way towards a smoke and nicotine-free UK.
“This is a huge step forward in ensuring the health of future generations and we will work closely with our partners to ensure the Bill is rolled out as smoothly as possible.”
Disposable vapes will be banned from June 1 2025 under separate environmental legislation.
Dr Keir Lewis, respiratory clinical lead at Prince Philip Hospital, said the Bill would benefit the public health of people in Wales: “This Bill provides a chance for people in Wales to achieve better health. As a lung doctor, I see the pain, misery and death caused by smoking every day.
“The government is helping protect us now and for generations to come with such a comprehensive set of measures to control tobacco and vaping.”
With almost 16% of young people in year 11 in Wales using vapes weekly, the Bill will also introduce measures to tackle the rise in children and young people using vapes and prevent the next generation from becoming addicted to nicotine.
Proposals include restrictions to the advertising of vaping and nicotine products; banning vape vending machines and measures to reduce the appeal and availability of vapes by addressing vape flavours, packaging and where they can be displayed in shops to move them out of sight of children.
Sarah Murphy added: “These proposals will help us meet our commitment to create the first smoke-free generation and to tackle the growing issue of youth vaping.
“Increasing the age at which people can buy tobacco products, as well as preventing vapes being deliberately targeted towards children, will play a big role in achieving this.
“Together we can ensure future generations ‘stub it out’ for good.”