British Parliament to vote on strict anti-smoking rules

LONDON – British lawmakers will debate and vote on November 26 on plans to introduce some of the strictest anti-smoking rulesin particular by prohibiting young people from smoking.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to make vapes less attractive and would ensure that anyone aged 15 in 2024, or younger, would be banned from buying cigarettes.

It would ban vaping advertising and the sale of vapes in vending machines, as well as restrict vape packaging and flavors that openly appeal to children and youth, such as bubblegum and cotton candy.

“The number of children vaping is increasing at an alarming rate and without urgent intervention we are going to have a generation of children suffering from long-term addiction,” Labor Health Secretary Wes Streeting said.

The previous Conservative government announced similar measures to create the first smoke-free generation. But these projects were not adopted before the summer general elections.

Britain banned smoking in almost all enclosed public spaces, including bars and workplaces, in 2007.

Subject to consultation, the new bill would give the government the power to extend the indoor smoking ban to specific outdoor spaces, such as children’s playgrounds and outdoor schools and hospitals.

The government previously abandoned plans to ban smoking outside pubs and cafes after concerns were raised about the impact on the hospitality industry.

The bill would introduce a licensing system for retailers to sell tobacco, vaping and nicotine products, as well as fines of £200 (S$340) for retailers who sell these products to minors.

The extension of the use of standardized packaging to all tobacco products will also be studied.

“Tobacco still causes approximately 160 cases of cancer every day in the UKsaid Mr Ian Walker, Executive Director of Policy at Cancer Research UK. “But with strong political will and bold action, these staggering numbers can be reversed. »

If the bill is passed on November 26, it will move to the next parliamentary stage. REUTERS