The British Parliament has passed the final version of the Tobacco and Vaping Act, which introduces a lifetime ban on the sale of tobacco products to anyone born after January 1, 2009. The aim is to create a “smoke-free generation.”
This was reported by the BBC.
The law, which is due to come into force after royal assent, will also give ministers new powers to regulate tobacco, vaping and nicotine products – including their flavours and packaging. The law is part of a series of measures to combat smoking, which is one of the leading causes of death, disability and preventable disease in the UK.
The law extends the restrictions already in place for smoking in public places to vapes. They will be banned in cars with children, on playgrounds, near schools and in hospitals. However, vapes will not be banned outside hospitals – to support those trying to quit smoking.
The law does not prohibit smoking and vaping in residential areas, pubs with outdoor areas, beaches, and private open spaces.
Health and Social Care Minister Wes Streeting called the passage of the law a historic event for the health of the British people.
“Prevention is better than cure. This reform will save lives, reduce the burden on the National Health Service and make Britain healthier,” he said.
Former Conservative MP Lord Naseby said the law was “upsetting to many in the industry”, including retailers, and that instead of bans, people should be told why they shouldn't start smoking.
Sarah Sleeth, from Asthma + Lung UK, said the law could make a huge difference to the nation's health. She called on the government to provide a wide range of support for people trying to quit smoking. She said access to smoking cessation services in the UK currently depends on where you live – so tobacco companies have to pay a special levy to fund these services across the country.