Liverpool City Council says it wants smoking rates to fall below one per cent by 2040. The authority has backed new national tobacco laws and expanded local stop smoking support.
Liverpool City Council is intensifying its public health initiatives by officially signing the 'Smoke-Free UK' pledge, an ambitious national program developed by the Smoke-Free Action Coalition. This commitment underscores a strategic shift for the city, which aims to drive smoking rates down to less than 1% by 2040 through more aggressive and accelerated interventions.
Liam Robinson, leader of the City Council, highlighted that this local initiative aligns with the recently enacted national Tobacco and Vapes Bill. This new legislation introduces a significant, generational shift in public health policy, implementing a ban on the sale of tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009. The policy effectively establishes a rolling age restriction that will restrict access to tobacco for future generations beginning in 2027.
Data from the city reflects a positive trend, with smoking rates in Liverpool currently falling more rapidly than in the broader Northwest region of England. This momentum is attributed to robust, locally managed smoking cessation services, which successfully supported 3,644 individuals in their efforts to quit over the past year. Beyond individual support, the council is also moving to expand the scope of smoke-free environments. Plans are underway to establish smoke-free zones across public spaces such as playgrounds, residential homes, public pavements, and sports sidelines. This proactive approach to public health has already earned the city national recognition, as the program has been shortlisted for an award.
Enforcement and regulatory efforts remain a critical pillar of this campaign. Over the last year, local enforcement teams have confiscated more than 500,000 illicit cigarettes as part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal tobacco sales. Additionally, local authorities have intensified their monitoring of retail compliance. Between 2023 and 2025, efforts to curb the sale of vapes to underage buyers have yielded notable success, with the rate of failed test purchases declining significantly from 31% to 10%.
Public health experts, including Professor Matt Ashton, the Director of Public Health, remain focused on the long-term impact of these strategies. Ashton maintains that smoking continues to be the primary driver of preventable illness and health disparities within the city, making these comprehensive measures essential to protecting the community's future health.
