The UK Parliament has finally given the green light to the law that will prohibit the sale of tobacco to anyone born after January 1, 2009, with the aim of creating the first generation free from this addiction. The bill was promoted two years ago by the then Conservative Government of Rishi Sunak. It was precisely thanks to the support of Labour MPs, then in opposition and under the leadership of Keir Starmer, that the first legislative process went ahead, despite the rejection of almost sixty Conservative MPs and the abstention of another hundred.
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Upon winning the elections three months later and entering Downing Street, Starmer’s Government resumed the initiative and pushed it through Parliament. “Prevention is always better than cure, and this reform will save lives, ease pressure on the National Health Service, and achieve a healthier United Kingdom,” celebrated Health Minister Wes Streeting.
The Tobacco and Vaping Act imposes a ban on the sale of tobacco to anyone born after January 1, 2009, and increases the legal smoking age (18 years) by one year each year, with the aim of ensuring that an entire new generation no longer has access to tobacco and thus completely eliminating the habit among young people by 2040. This measure is similar to one introduced along these lines by the previous New Zealand Government, which was, however, revoked more than two years ago, shortly after a new far-right party came to power.
The law also grants the Government new powers and capabilities to regulate and limit the consumption of vaping, electronic cigarettes, and other nicotine-containing products. They will be able to impose strict regulations regarding the use of attractive flavors, which aim to hook young consumers, or eye-catching packaging.
Vaping will be prohibited inside vehicles where minors are present, in playgrounds, or outside hospitals and schools, thereby expanding the number of smoke-free zones.
However, vaping will remain permitted on bar terraces or in open-air public spaces, as well as in open private natural environments.
With the final consensus reached between MPs and Lords of both Houses of Parliament on the final text of the law, it will come into force from the moment it is endorsed by the King.
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