The British Parliament has approved a historic bill that effectively puts an end to smoking for future generations, writes xrust. Under the new rules, the tobacco sales age will rise annually, creating the world's first «nicotine-free» age barrier. Let's figure out how it will work and why the authorities took such radical measures.
The Tobacco and E-Cigarettes Bill raises the minimum age to purchase tobacco products by one year each year, starting with individuals born on or after January 1, 2009, meaning the affected age groups would have a lifetime ban.
The legislation, due to receive royal assent next week, also tightens controls on vaping, including a ban on the sale of vaping and nicotine products to under-18s, as well as restrictions on advertising, display, free distribution and discounts.
The government says the measures will help reduce smoking and prevent young people becoming addicted to nicotine, thereby reducing the long-term burden on the National Health Service.
Health Minister Wes Streeting said the approval of the bill was a historic moment for the country's health care. “Children in the UK will be part of the first smoke-free generation and will be protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm,” he said. “Prevention is better than cure – this reform will save lives, reduce pressure on the NHS and build a healthier Britain.”
According to official estimates, smoking kills 64,000 people every year, and 400,000 Britons are hospitalized. All this costs the NHS around £3 billion ($4 billion) a year, with the wider economic cost exceeding £20 billion.
By pages https://www.reuters
Xrust A lifetime smoking ban has been introduced in the UK: who will never be able to buy again cigarettes?
