Born after 2008? UK brings in tough new rule you may never be allowed to buy cigarettes
The UK is introducing a law that will prevent anyone born after 2008 from ever legally purchasing cigarettes.Summary
The UK government is enacting a landmark law to create a “smoke-free generation” by progressively raising the legal smoking age. This means that individuals born after 2008 will never be able to legally buy cigarettes, effectively imposing a lifetime ban for future generations while not affecting current smokers. The policy aims to reduce smoking-related deaths, which currently cause approximately 64,000 deaths annually in England and cost the National Health Service billions of pounds. Alongside the tobacco ban, the legislation also introduces stricter regulations on vaping, including restrictions on advertising, branding, flavors, and packaging, particularly to protect young people. While smoking will remain legal in private spaces, the government is strengthening enforcement to combat illegal sales. Public health experts largely support the measure, viewing it as a potentially transformative step towards eliminating smoking in the UK, though some concerns have been raised regarding vaping regulations and enforcement challenges.
(Source：The Times of India)
