In the UK, a bill aimed at creating a “smoke-free generation” has passed its first hurdle in Parliament. According to Reuters and AFP, the UK House of Commons approved the “Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Bill” with 415 votes in favor and 47 against during its second reading on the 26th local time, moving it to the next stage of scrutiny. The bill prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009 (currently 15 years old).
Currently, the sale of tobacco to minors is banned, but if this bill passes, those born in 2009 and onward would not be able to purchase tobacco even as adults. A similar bill was previously initiated by the former Conservative government and passed its first hurdle in April. However, it was scrapped due to an unexpected early general election and the dissolution of Parliament. At that time, some opposition came from within the ruling Conservative Party, while the Labour Party supported it. After winning the general election in July, the Labour Party decided to reintroduce the bill.
The UK’s proposed legislation for a smoke-free generation is considered one of the most stringent worldwide. Although New Zealand attempted similar policies last year, they were abandoned. The bill also includes provisions to restrict smoking in outdoor spaces such as children’s playgrounds, schools, and hospitals. It contains measures to limit electronic cigarette advertising, prohibit vending machine sales of electronic cigarettes, and restrict flavors and packaging appealing to minors.
However, a proposed smoking ban in outdoor areas of pubs and cafes was revoked considering its impact on the service industry. Health Minister Wes Streeting expressed an urgent need for intervention as the number of minors vaping is rapidly increasing, hoping the bill will help prevent a life trapped in addiction for minors.
The bill will proceed to the committee stage and a third reading in the House of Commons before moving to the House of Lords. During the review process, opposing lawmakers may request amendments. Nonetheless, some MPs from the Conservative Party, Liberal Democrats, and Reform UK are opposing the bill, arguing that it excessively restricts individual freedom. Among the Conservatives, 35 members, including Leader Kemi Badenoch and former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, voted against it.
Leader Badenoch objected to similar proposals during her time as Industry Minister, arguing that a single day’s difference in birthdates should not lead to lifelong different rights. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, known as a cigar enthusiast, also criticized the move, calling it “crazy” for Winston Churchill’s party to ban cigars.
The UK has been consistently fighting against smoking. Last month, it promoted a bill to ban “disposable electronic cigarettes” as a measure to reduce underage vaping and cut down on single-use waste to protect the environment. However, John Dunne, the director-general of the UK Vaping Industry Association, told the BBC that “an already uncontrolled black market is emerging” and that banning sales would only accelerate illegal distribution.