Selling tobacco and vaporizers to anyone born after January 1, 2009 – and currently aged 15 – will become a criminal offense in the UK from April next year.
This measure was approved on Tuesday night (16) by Parliament and, according to the British Minister of Health and Social Care, aims to create the first smoke-free generation.
“We are working to create a smoke-free generation, which will ensure that no one aged 15 or under this year will buy tobacco legally, saving… [essas pessoas] From the misery of repeated attempts to quit smoking,” defended Victoria Atkin.
Moreover, she said, this legislation will make the economy “more productive and help build a health service that provides faster, simpler and fairer care.”
He stressed that the law “does not aim to distort the image of people who smoke or prevent them from buying tobacco, nor will it in any way affect the rights or privileges of current smokers,” adding that the goal is to help people quit smoking.
“We will also nearly double funding for local tobacco control services,” the minister announced, adding that the legislation “looks to the future to give the next generation the freedom to live longer, healthier and more productive lives.”
To ensure compliance with the new rules, the sector will have new powers to impose fines on those who sell tobacco or vaporizers illegally to this generation. The money raised will be used to fund new law enforcement measures.
The measure was approved following the government's previously announced commitment to ban the sale and supply of disposable vaporizers, which have been on the rise among young people.
Victoria Atkin explained that vaporizers “can damage young people's lungs as they grow, intensify long-term pressure on the NHS and harm their concentration at school”.
He added: “We cannot replace a generation addicted to nicotine with a generation addicted to vaporizers,” recalling that these devices are marketed sarcastically and sold at very reasonable prices alongside sweets decorated with cartoon characters and flavors such as cotton candy and watermelon. Ice cream.
“Our children are being exploited and we cannot and will not allow this to continue. That is why the legislation will give powers to take strong action against flavors and packaging that are too close to children and to change the way vaporizers are displayed in stores.
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Charlotte Whitmore is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a broad range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and practical information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism that keeps readers connected to the issues shaping the UK and beyond.