The British government proposed a landmark smoking ban to prevent young people from starting to smoke. The bill aims to make it illegal to sell tobacco products to individuals born after January 1, 2009.
- The Tobacco and Vapes Bill passed its first hurdle in Parliament.
- The bill, if enacted, would implement some of the strictest smoking laws globally and create a smoke-free generation in the UK.
- Under the proposed legislation, individuals turning 15 in the current year or younger would never be legally sold tobacco.
- The legal age for purchasing cigarettes in England would incrementally rise each year until it becomes illegal for the entire population, with a target implementation year of 2027.
- The UK’s approach appears to be inspired by a similar law in New Zealand, although the New Zealand law was later repealed.
- Further steps, including votes in the House of Lords, are required before the bill becomes law, but it could potentially be enacted before the general election expected in the second half of 2024.
- Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the plans for the smoking ban during a conference speech in October of the previous year.
Q: Which government proposed a landmark smoking ban in April 2024 to prevent young people from starting to smoke?
a) Australian government
b) Canadian government
c) British government
d) New Zealand government
Answer: c) British government
