British MPs back game-changing smoking ban that will affect next generation
UK parliament moves forward with new tobacco-control law that would stop anyone born after 2009 from buying cigarettes. The bill also targets colorful vapes and their placement in public spaces
British lawmakers made a ground-breaking decision last tuesday with a huge majority (415-47) backing new anti-smoking rules that would change how future generations interact with tobacco
The new law — which got strong cross-party backing — aims to stop anyone whoʼs 15 or younger from ever buying cigarettes legally; while also putting strict limits on where and how vapes can be sold. The rules would ban vape machines and stop companies from making sweet-flavored products (like bubble-gum and cotton-candy) that kids might want
Whatever our views on this bill are it is a bold legislation of good intention
The government wants to make some outside places smoke-free too:
- Areas near schools
- Kids playgrounds
- Hospital grounds
Wes Streeting‚ the Labour health minister pointed out that kids vaping is a big problem thats growing fast. While Robert Jenrick from the Conservative party dont agree with the new rules saying on social media that education works better than bans
The bill includes new rules for shops — theyʼll need special permits to sell tobacco and vapes and will get hit with £200 fines if they sell to under-age customers. This follows britains indoor smoking ban from about 17 years ago: but now officials want to do more since tobacco still causes around 160 cancer cases each day in the UK
The law still needs to pass through more steps in parliament before it becomes official; but its looking like UK might soon have some of worlds strictest anti-smoking rules
