The UK Parliament approved a tobacco and e-cigarette control bill that prohibits anyone born after January 1, 2009, from purchasing cigarettes for life, aiming to build a smoke-free society in the future.
This law has been approved by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords and is awaiting official enactment. Its main goal is to prevent new generations from starting to smoke by making it illegal for retailers to sell tobacco products to this group.
Additionally, once the law is in effect, the government will have expanded authority to regulate tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and nicotine, including setting packaging designs and flavors to reduce consumption appeal.
These measures are part of efforts to address the health impacts of smoking, which remains one of the leading causes of preventable death, disability, and chronic disease in the country.
Meanwhile, the law extends e-cigarette restrictions by banning their use in cars carrying children, as well as in playgrounds, outside schools, and healthcare facilities. However, e-cigarette use will still be allowed outdoors at hospitals to support those trying to quit smoking.
These measures will not cover some open spaces, such as pub beer gardens, beaches, or private outdoor areas, and people can still smoke or use e-cigarettes inside their homes.
Ves Stretting described this as a historic moment for the public health system, emphasizing that prevention is better than cure. He said the reform will save lives, reduce the burden on the National Health Service (NHS), and create a healthier society.
Baroness Merron stated this is the greatest public health measure in a generation and affirmed it will genuinely save lives.
However, Lord Nesbitt of the Conservative Party expressed concerns that the law may impact many businesses and suggested prioritizing education to prevent people from starting to smoke.
Asthma + Lung UK said the law has the potential to transform the nation's health and urged the government to support comprehensive smoking cessation services so current smokers are not neglected.
The organization also proposed imposing taxes or fees on the tobacco industry to fund health services and reduce the long-term harms of smoking.
: SourceBBC
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