A new law set to be introduced in parliament on Tuesday across the UK aims to establish the first “smoke-free generation” as part of a pioneering ban.
This initiative follows New Zealand’s recent decision to abandon its plans for a generational smoking ban that would have prohibited the sale of tobacco to individuals born after 2008.
“This is a landmark public health measure. It will ensure that future generations in our country will never be able to purchase cigarettes legally,” stated Health Secretary Wes Streeting.
The UK’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill will make it illegal for anyone born after January 1, 2009, to smoke by systematically increasing the purchase age for tobacco. This legislation resembles a bill the previous Conservative government put forth, which was withdrawn earlier this year when Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for a general election.
However, Keir Starmer, Sunak’s successor in the Labour government, has revived these proposals to enhance preventative health initiatives and alleviate long-term demands on the UK’s state-funded National Health Service (NHS).
The bill also aims to impose restrictions on the advertising and sponsorship of vapes, as well as limit flavours, displays, and packaging of e-cigarettes to make them less appealing to minors.
Last month, the government declared that disposable vapes would be prohibited next year through separate legislation.
The new UK bill also suggests extending current smoking prohibitions to outdoor areas such as children’s playgrounds and outside hospitals. However, Streeting said that there would not be a ban on smoking in pub gardens across England.
Figures from the pub and restaurant industry criticised the proposal after details were leaked in August, claiming it could discourage customers in a sector already struggling with the long-lasting effects of the pandemic and cost-of-living challenges.
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland enacted smoking bans in enclosed public areas and workplaces in 2007, following Scotland’s similar ban in 2006.
