euronews.com
UK's Tough New Anti-Smoking Bill
The UK is implementing a new anti-tobacco bill, gradually increasing the smoking age, banning smoking and vaping in some outdoor spaces, and restricting vape products. This is intended to reduce smoking rates and improve public health.
English
United States
HealthUkPublic HealthLegislationGovernment PolicySmokingTobacco Control
Labour PartyUk Government
Wes Streeting
- What is the likelihood of the bill passing into law?
- The bill's passage is considered likely given the Labour Party's majority government, which indicates strong support for stricter anti-tobacco measures in the UK.
- What are the main provisions of the UK's new anti-tobacco bill?
- The UK is introducing a new anti-tobacco bill that will gradually raise the minimum age for buying tobacco each year, starting with those born after January 1, 2009, effectively banning them from ever legally purchasing cigarettes.
- What types of outdoor spaces would the proposed bill ban smoking and vaping in?
- The bill also aims to ban smoking and vaping in certain outdoor spaces such as playgrounds and entrances to schools and hospitals, in addition to restricting vape flavors and packaging.
- Are there any exceptions to the proposed ban on smoking and vaping in outdoor spaces?
- While the bill seeks to reduce smoking rates, which are still around 13% of the population, it has excluded pub beer gardens from the outdoor smoking ban due to opposition from the hospitality industry.
- What is the stated goal of the bill and how does smoking affect public health in the UK?
- The UK government claims the bill will "break the cycle of addiction" and contribute to a smoke-free UK. Smoking remains the number one preventable cause of death, disability, and poor health in the country.