The UK is taking a significant step towards creating a “smoke-free generation” with its new Tobacco and Vapes Bill. This groundbreaking legislation, set to be introduced in parliament, aims to prevent anyone born after January 1, 2009, from legally smoking by gradually raising the age at which tobacco can be bought.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting hailed the bill as a “groundbreaking piece of public health legislation” that will ensure children growing up in the UK today will never be able to buy cigarettes legally. This move is part of a broader effort to increase preventative health measures and alleviate long-term pressure on the National Health Service (NHS).
Key Provisions:
- Raising the Smoking Age: Gradually increasing the age at which tobacco can be purchased to prevent those born after 2009 from smoking.
- Vape Regulations: Restricting vape advertising, sponsorship, flavors, displays, and packaging to reduce appeal to children and young people.
- Outdoor Smoking Bans: Extending existing bans to outdoor spaces like children’s playgrounds and hospital entrances.
- Disposable Vape Ban: Banning disposable vapes next year under separate legislation.
Notably, the bill will not include a ban on smoking in pub gardens in England, following criticism from the hospitality industry. This decision acknowledges the sector’s struggles with the pandemic and cost-of-living pressures.
The UK’s move follows New Zealand’s reversal on its proposed “generational smoking ban,” which would have prohibited tobacco sales to those born after 2008. The UK’s legislation is a significant step towards achieving a smoke-free nation by 2030, a goal that has garnered support from health organizations.
