From April next year in the UK, it will be a criminal offense to sell tobacco and vaporizers to people born after 1 January 2009, who are currently aged 15. The decision, which was approved by Parliament on Tuesday evening (16), aims to create the first generation free of tobacco addiction.
British Minister of Health and Social Care Victoria Atkin said that the measure aims to protect young people from the trap of smoking and provide them with a life free of this harmful habit.
Furthermore, Atkin highlighted that this legislation not only promotes a more productive economy, but also contributes to building a healthcare system that provides more efficient and equitable care.
The British Minister explained that the goal is not to demonize smokers, but rather to help them quit this habit, while investing heavily in local tobacco control services.
Atkin also announced a significant increase in funding for these services, with the aim of ensuring that the next generation has the freedom to live longer, healthier and more productive lives.
To ensure compliance with the new rules, additional powers will be granted to those responsible for the sector, allowing the imposition of fines on those who violate the ban on the sale of tobacco and vaporizers to children under the age of 15 years.
The move comes as part of a previously announced commitment by the government to ban the sale and supply of disposable vaporizers, which have become increasingly popular among young people.
Atkin warned of the potential harm these devices could cause to young people's health, as well as the long-term risks to the national healthcare system and students' academic performance.
She stressed the need to act against the irresponsible marketing of vaporizers, especially their sale at reasonable prices and their association with attractive flavors and packaging that attracts children.
The proposed legislation therefore aims to restrict the availability of these products and change the way they are presented in stores in order to protect the health and wellbeing of British children.
