A smokefree generation?
The UK introduction of the new Tobacco and Vapes Act will come with fierce opposition from the tobacco lobby. However, this time around, their arguments may be harder to land.
The Government’s aim with this new law is to create a ‘smokefree generation’. Among other changes, it makes it illegal for shops to sell tobacco to those born after 2008. Starting in 2027, the legal age for the sale of tobacco will rise by one year every year. Vaping sales may will be restricted and e-cigarettes may be banned in some outdoor spaces.
The world will be watching. Aside from the Maldives, the UK is now the only nation to have similar laws aimed at creating a smokefree generation. It was also planned in New Zealand, but that went up in smoke following the election of a new government and some determined industry lobbying.
The UK will be no different. Expect warnings about losing the £8 billion of tobacco tax receipts. despite the much higher costs to the economy of smoking through its impact on the NHS, social care and productivity. There may also be legal action from the tobacco industry, which in fact has already started.
Attempts to invoke fears of a ‘nanny state’ are inevitable. However, this will largely involve defending the rights of young people to buy tobacco. Not an easy case to make.
In its first year, the new law will only prohibit sales to those 18 years and under. The year after, the law will apply to 19-year-olds. The main aim is stop new people starting smoking, including the 127,500 young adults (aged 18 to 25) who begin smoking each year in the UK.
Current smokers won’t be directly affected by the new rules. This may be why opinion polls show over two-thirds of the UK population support the Smokefree Generation policy, including more than half of those who smoke.
Translation into action
Properly resource enforcement: The UK agencies responsible for enforcing this law are Trading Standards teams. These teams have suffered years of cuts and staff shortages.
Support smoking cessation: This policy may encourage existing smokers to quit. But a policy won’t cure people of a powerful addiction. Stop smoking services need to be funded and widely available as the policy is implemented.
Include vaping as a support option: Research evidence indicates that vaping is more effective than standard nicotine replacement therapy in helping people quit. The new legislation was drafted with this in mind, and vaping products will still be widely available.