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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Health & Science

UK Parliament Approves Lifetime Smoking Ban for Young People

From Tempo · (1d ago) Indonesian Positive tone

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The UK Parliament has approved a bill banning the sale of cigarettes to anyone born after January 1, 2009.
  • The legislation aims to create the UK's first smoke-free generation, with health officials calling it a historic moment for national health.
  • The law also empowers the government to expand smoking bans to outdoor areas and regulate vape flavors and packaging.

The United Kingdom has taken a bold and historic step towards a smoke-free future by passing landmark legislation that prohibits the sale of tobacco to younger generations. This groundbreaking bill, approved by both houses of Parliament, will prevent anyone born after January 1, 2009, from legally purchasing cigarettes, effectively creating a smoke-free generation.

historic moment for the nation's health

— Wes StreetingUK Health Minister Wes Streeting's statement on the significance of the new smoking ban legislation.

Health Minister Wes Streeting hailed the move as a "historic moment for the nation's health," expressing hope that it will lead to a generation protected from lifelong addiction and its associated harms. This proactive approach underscores the government's commitment to public health and reducing the long-term strain on the National Health Service (NHS), which is funded by taxpayers.

The legislation also grants the government new powers to extend smoking bans to outdoor public spaces, such as children's playgrounds and areas outside schools and hospitals. Furthermore, it will allow for new regulations on the flavors and packaging of vapes, and prohibit their use in places where smoking is already banned. This comprehensive strategy targets both traditional smoking and the rising popularity of vaping among young people.

first smoke-free generation, protected from addiction and lifelong harm

— Wes StreetingUK Health Minister Wes Streeting's hope for the outcome of the new smoking ban legislation.

Public health advocates have lauded the bill as a "decisive turning point for public health." Hazel Cheeseman of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) emphasized its significance. This move follows the Labour government's earlier ban on disposable vapes in June, which were criticized for their affordability and appeal to youth. While New Zealand and the Maldives have implemented similar age-based bans, the UK's comprehensive approach, coupled with its focus on vaping, sets a strong precedent. The stark reality that smoking causes approximately 75,000 deaths annually in the UK, accounting for a quarter of all deaths, highlights the urgent need for such decisive action.

decisive turning point for public health

— Hazel CheesemanHazel Cheeseman, director of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), commenting on the new smoking ban bill.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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