The United Kingdom has approved a landmark law that will prohibit people born after 2008 from ever purchasing cigarettes, marking one of the most ambitious public health policies in decades.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has been cleared by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, paving the way for a “smoke-free generation”, as per BBC.
Under the legislation, anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, will be permanently barred from buying tobacco products.
Retailers will be prohibited from selling cigarettes to this age group once the law comes into force after receiving royal assent. The measure is designed to gradually phase out smoking by preventing future generations from taking up the habit.
The new law also grants the government additional authority to regulate tobacco, vaping and nicotine products, including their flavours, packaging and marketing, the BBC reported.
