Legislation Advances to Create a Smoke-Free Generation in the UK
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill proposes to restrict tobacco access for future generations and increase regulation around vaping.
Proposals to establish a ‘smoke-free generation’ in the United Kingdom have moved a significant step forward after the Tobacco and Vapes Bill cleared the House of Commons.
If the Bill is enacted, individuals born on or after January 1, 2009, will be prohibited from purchasing tobacco products, effectively creating a future generation that will never legally smoke.
In addition to this provision, the legislation seeks to ban sales of all vaping or nicotine products to anyone under the age of 18, and it allows the government to introduce regulations concerning the flavors, packaging, and visibility of vaping products to reduce their appeal to children.
A complete ban on advertising and sponsorship of vaping products, including those visible to children in places like buses, cinemas, and shop windows, is also part of the proposed regulations.
The Bill passed the House of Commons with a substantial majority, receiving 366 votes in favor and 41 against during its third reading.
Health Minister Ashley Dalton addressed the Commons, stating, “This Bill is the next step in a long history of action on tobacco.” She acknowledged the contributions of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in advancing earlier versions of these proposals while emphasizing the strengthened ambitions of the current Bill.
Supporters of the Bill, including health advocacy groups like Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), praised the decision as a vital advancement in public health efforts aimed at reducing smoking-related harm.
The division list of supporters revealed notable backing within the Conservative party, including Mr. Sunak and former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, although dissenters like former cabinet minister Suella Braverman opposed the legislation.
Debate during the Bill’s report stage included discussions about extending outdoor smoking bans to hospitality venues, which the government is not considering at present, following pushback from the hospitality sector.
However, smoking in areas close to schools, children’s playgrounds, and hospitals would be banned under the new legislation.
A Conservative amendment to exempt hospitality venues from smoke-free regulations was decisively rejected, illustrating divisions within political ranks regarding the extent of the smoking ban.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage voiced opposition to the Bill, critiquing its moral implications and emphasizing the right to personal choice regarding smoking in social settings.
The Bill will now undergo further examination in the House of Lords before potentially becoming law.
If the Bill is enacted, individuals born on or after January 1, 2009, will be prohibited from purchasing tobacco products, effectively creating a future generation that will never legally smoke.
In addition to this provision, the legislation seeks to ban sales of all vaping or nicotine products to anyone under the age of 18, and it allows the government to introduce regulations concerning the flavors, packaging, and visibility of vaping products to reduce their appeal to children.
A complete ban on advertising and sponsorship of vaping products, including those visible to children in places like buses, cinemas, and shop windows, is also part of the proposed regulations.
The Bill passed the House of Commons with a substantial majority, receiving 366 votes in favor and 41 against during its third reading.
Health Minister Ashley Dalton addressed the Commons, stating, “This Bill is the next step in a long history of action on tobacco.” She acknowledged the contributions of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in advancing earlier versions of these proposals while emphasizing the strengthened ambitions of the current Bill.
Supporters of the Bill, including health advocacy groups like Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), praised the decision as a vital advancement in public health efforts aimed at reducing smoking-related harm.
The division list of supporters revealed notable backing within the Conservative party, including Mr. Sunak and former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, although dissenters like former cabinet minister Suella Braverman opposed the legislation.
Debate during the Bill’s report stage included discussions about extending outdoor smoking bans to hospitality venues, which the government is not considering at present, following pushback from the hospitality sector.
However, smoking in areas close to schools, children’s playgrounds, and hospitals would be banned under the new legislation.
A Conservative amendment to exempt hospitality venues from smoke-free regulations was decisively rejected, illustrating divisions within political ranks regarding the extent of the smoking ban.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage voiced opposition to the Bill, critiquing its moral implications and emphasizing the right to personal choice regarding smoking in social settings.
The Bill will now undergo further examination in the House of Lords before potentially becoming law.
