The 'smoke-free generation' bill in the UK has been submitted to parliament: those born after 2009 will be permanently banned from smoking, and electronic cigarette advertising and display will be restricted

The 'smoke-free generation' bill in the UK has been submitted to parliament: those born after 2009 will be permanently banned from smoking, and electronic cigarette advertising and display will be restricted

The UK Parliament is about to review a new bill aimed at creating the 'first smoke-free generation' by gradually raising the age of tobacco purchase, and considering extending indoor smoking bans to certain outdoor venues, while strengthening advertising and taste restrictions on electronic cigarettes.
According to Independent's report on November 5th, a bill to ban minors from smoking will be submitted to the UK Parliament.

The Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Act aims to create the first 'smoke-free generation' by gradually raising the age of tobacco purchase and prohibiting legal smoking for those born after January 1, 2009.

British government officials have stated that this' historic 'legislation is expected to' save thousands of lives and protect the National Health Service (NHS) ', and the bill is scheduled to be submitted to the House of Commons on Tuesday (5th).

The bill also considers extending indoor smoking bans to certain outdoor places, such as children's playgrounds, schools, and outside hospitals. In addition, in order to reduce the appeal of electronic cigarettes to children and adolescents, the bill will impose restrictions on their advertising, sponsorship, taste, display, and packaging. Disposable electronic cigarettes will also be banned under another environmental legislation from June 1, 2025.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting stated that,
If we don't take action to help people stay healthy, the rising health problems in society will pose a threat to our NHS. Prevention is better than cure
The previous government had submitted a similar bill, but it was put on hold due to the general election. In July 2023, the Labour government will resubmit relevant proposals. In August, there were reports that the government was considering banning smoking in some outdoor places such as bars and sports venues.

Dr. Ian Walker, Executive Director of Policy at Cancer Research UK, pointed out that,
By raising the sales age of tobacco products and providing appropriate funding for smoking cessation services, the government can build a healthier future, prevent cancer, and protect people from lifelong deadly and expensive addiction

Professor Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer of England, welcomed the introduction of the bill,
This is a significant legislation that, if passed, will have a positive and lasting impact on national health. A 'smoke-free country' will prevent disease, disability, and premature death

Hazel Cheeseman, CEO of the Smoking Action Group (ASH), called the bill "the world's leading legislation",
It has sparked an important debate about smoking and its enormous harm to society. Over the past 50 years, smoking has claimed the lives of more than eight million people in the UK. The health community and the public support the government's historic effort to phase out tobacco sales