The measure tackles smoking among the young population and was promoted by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government despite opposition from his own political party.
Health Minister Victoria Atkins assured that the project aims to create the first “smoke-free generation” in the country.
However, other conservative sectors argued that this was a violation of personal freedom; But the officer replied: “There is no freedom in addiction.”
The UK has banned the sale of cigarettes to people born after 2009. Photo: EFE
See more: Seine-Port, the city that has banned the use of mobile phones in public spaces
A public health problem
The British government justified the tobacco and vaping bill on the public health problem caused by this use.
According to official reports, smoking causes 80,000 deaths every year and is responsible for one in four cancers.
The aim of the initiative is not only to discourage young people from smoking cigarettes, but also to prevent more than 470,000 cases of heart disease, strokes, lung cancer and other deadly diseases by the end of the century.
Atkins said that most smokers start smoking at a very young age and that is why they wanted to prevent children from being exposed to smoking by legally banning their access to cigarettes.
“Smoking is the leading preventable cause of disability, poor health and death in this country. “Once it becomes a habit, it is extremely difficult to stop due to its addictive nature,” said Health Minister Andrea Leadsom.
The project is also considering some measures for vapers by introducing restrictions on flavors and packaging.
In addition, new powers to impose fines on establishments selling cigarettes and e-cigarettes to minors have been approved.
“The truth is that there is no safe level of tobacco use. “It is uniquely harmful and that is why we are taking this important action today to protect the next generation,” Atkins said.
You might be interested in: