Is this the start of a smoke free generation?
The new smoking proposal is an important topic that has been gaining a lot of attention and causing several debates. It involves implementing stricter regulations and policies to further reduce smoking rates and protect public health.
The law states that anyone born after January 1st 2009 will not be allowed to buy Nicotine products in an attempt to create a smoke-free environment to protect people from the harmful effects of firsthand and secondhand smoke. This means that with each year, the legal smoking age will increase.
The new ban aims to increase the legal age for purchasing tobacco products. Currently, the legal age to buy cigarettes is 18 in many places. The idea behind this is to prevent young people from starting smoking at an early age when they may be more susceptible to addiction.
Another significant element of the proposal is to increase the taxes on tobacco products. Higher taxes make cigarettes more expensive, which has been proven to be effective for deterring people, specifically young people. The hope is that making cigarettes less affordable, will discourage people from starting or continuing the habit.
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Additionally, the law aims to implement stricter regulations on the marketing and advertising of tobacco products. Restrictions on tobacco advertising in various media platforms, such as television, radio, and the internet have already been put into place. The goal is to reduce the exposure of young people to tobacco marketing, as it can influence their perception and behaviour towards smoking.
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Furthermore, the proposal emphasises the importance of providing comprehensive smoking cessation programs and support services. These programs can help individuals who want to quit smoking by offering counselling, nicotine replacement therapies, and other resources. By providing accessible and effective cessation support, it increases the chances of successful quitting and reduces the overall smoking rates.
The UK Government is investing an additional £70 million per year to support authority-led stop smoking services and supporting around 360,000 people to set a quit date each year.
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One of the main arguments in favour of the new smoking proposal is the potential positive impact on public health.
Smoking is a leading cause of preventable diseases and premature death worldwide. By implementing these stricter measures, it is believed that it can help reduce smoking rates, improve overall health outcomes, and ultimately save lives.
According to GOV.UK “Over 80% of smokers started before they turned 20, many as children. They have had their choices taken away by addiction, and their lives will be harmed and cut short by an addiction they do not want.”
“The government has made clear they wish to create a smoke free generation unaffected by the extraordinary harms of addiction-driven smoking, and tackle youth vaping. This Command Paper lays out a route to prevent addiction to smoking before it starts, to support smokers to quit and to stop vapes being marketed to children.”
Information gathered from Office for National Statistics
Sienna Raineid, a student from Warwick Medical School shared her opinions on the ban “I think it can be a good thing. I agree that they should be doing something about the increase in smoking in young people specifically. Like this vaping trend needs to be stopped. People who aren’t even smokers are vaping and that’s leading to them starting to smoke cigarettes.”
“People don’t understand how harmful smoking this stuff really is, it could cut your lifespan in half, but it's like they aren’t bothered.”
There are, however, concerns and criticisms surrounding the proposed ban. Some argue that it infringes on personal freedoms and individual choices. They believe that adults should have the right to make decisions about their own health and lifestyle, including the choice to smoke.
Leila Hussein, Nursing student at Warwick Medical School told me her thoughts on the matter “Everyone should have a choice, whether that choice can result in a positive or negative outcome, just having the choice means a lot. And it’s not like this is going to stop anything, there are 15 year olds out there smoking right now, do you think they care if it's legal or not? If they want it, they’ll find a way and that is their choice. It’s not going to impact anyone but themselves”
Another concern is the potential impact on the economy, particularly for businesses that rely on the sale of tobacco products. Higher taxes and stricter regulations may lead to a decline in sales and revenue for these businesses. It is important to consider the potential economic consequences and find ways to support affected industries during the transition.
And with New Zealand inspiring the smoking ban, now reversing the law, many people are left questioning where that will leave us. Will we follow in their footsteps and reverse our decision? Or will we follow through with the ban?