The UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirmed that adult smoking in England has fallen below 10% for the first time, reaching 9.8% in 2025. This rate is down from 10.6% in 2024 and marks a steady drop from the 20.2% recorded when the data series began in 2011.
Generational Shifts and Rising Vaping Trends
The sharpest reduction occurred among young adults aged 18 to 24, where smoking prevalence dropped from 25.7% in 2011 to 7.2% in 2025. In contrast, adults aged 45 to 54 now account for the highest proportion of active smokers at 12.4%.
At the same time, daily or occasional e-cigarette use has overtaken traditional smoking, standing at 9.9% (approximately 5.4 million people) in 2025. While steady compared to 10.0% in 2024, it remains well above the 6.4% reported in 2020. Adults aged 25 to 34 recorded the highest vaping rate at 16.4%, surpassing the 16- to 24-year-old bracket.
ONS statistician David Mais stated: “This is the lowest proportion ever recorded and continues a long-term decline in smoking. At the same time, e-cigarette use remains more common than smoking and has shown an overall upward trend since 2020.”
Phasing Out Tobacco Sales for Future Generations
These shifting habits arrive as the UK prepares to enforce the Tobacco and E-Cigarettes Act 2026. Starting January 1, 2027, the law will make it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, creating a permanent generational ban on combustible tobacco.
- UK Smoking Rates Fall Below 10% as Vaping Exceeds Cigarette Use - October 8, 2026
- Oregon Exceeds 2025 Tobacco Reduction Targets as Youth Smoking Plummets - October 8, 2026
- Iowa Vape Law Restricts 99% of Products, Threatening Local Retailers - September 29, 2026