Britain’s planned tough anti-tobacco law aims to overcome another hurdle. It stipulates that anyone born after January 1, 2009 may never legally purchase cigarettes again in their lifetime. E-cigarette flavors should also be limited.
The second reading of the draft is scheduled for Tuesday in Parliament in London. The minimum age for purchasing tobacco products is increased by one year of life every year. The Social Democratic government has an overwhelming majority in the lower house.
Restrictions on e-cigarettes
It will also limit the sweet flavors of e-cigarettes and overhaul their packaging to make them less appealing to children and teenagers. A complete advertising and sponsorship ban for so-called vapes is planned. Disposable e-cigarettes will be banned in principle from June 2025 as part of separate environmental legislation.
Minister: E-cigarette flavors are aimed at young people
“The number of underage vapers is growing at an alarming rate and without urgent intervention we will have a generation of young people with long-term addictions,” said Health Minister Wes Streeting. “It is unacceptable that these harmful products target minors with brightly colored packaging and flavors such as ‘Gummy Bears’ and ‘Rainbow Explosion’.”
According to official figures, 80,000 people die every year in Britain as a result of smoking. The damage to the economy is estimated at 18 billion pounds (21.55 billion euros) per year. For the law called the “Tobacco and Vapes Act” to come into effect, the House of Lords must also agree after a total of three readings in the lower house.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
