"Lifetime Ban for Those Born in 2009 and After"...UK Tobacco Prohibition Bill Nears Passage

In the United Kingdom, young people who are currently under the age of 17 will soon be unable to purchase tobacco for the rest of their lives. This is because the so-called "smoke-free generation" bill, which prohibits tobacco purchases even after reaching adulthood, is effectively set to come into force.

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On April 20 (local time), the BBC reported that both houses of the UK Parliament have reached a final agreement on the "Tobacco and Vapes Bill," with only the King's approval-typically a formality in the legislative process-remaining before it becomes law.

The key provision of the bill is a phased ban on tobacco sales to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009. As a result, from next year, even those who turn 18 after this birth year will not be able to buy tobacco. Anyone caught selling tobacco to those in this group or purchasing it on their behalf faces a fine of up to 200 pounds (approximately 400,000 won).

The scope of smoking regulations will also be expanded. The use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes will be banned in vehicles carrying children, as well as in playgrounds, in front of schools, and at hospitals. However, certain outdoor areas such as pub gardens and beaches will be exempt from the smoking ban, and smoking will still be allowed inside private homes.

This bill was first introduced in 2024 under the Conservative government of then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, but the legislative process was halted due to an early general election and the dissolution of Parliament. The new Labour government resumed the policy following a change of power, and the legislative process began again. The bill was included in the King's Speech and subsequently passed the House of Commons with majority support in several votes.

Gillian Merron, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and co-sponsor of the bill, emphasized in the House of Lords on this day, "This afternoon is the final parliamentary journey for this bill," adding, "I am confident this is the biggest public health intervention of a generation and it will save many lives."

Health Secretary Wes Streeting also described it as a "historic moment for the nation's health," saying, "Prevention is better than cure, and this reform will save lives, ease the burden on the National Health Service (NHS), and help create a healthier Britain."

This bill is benchmarked after New Zealand's smoking ban law, regarded as the world's strongest anti-smoking policy. However, New Zealand repealed the policy in early 2024 after a conservative coalition took office. Meanwhile, the Maldives has been enforcing a strict anti-smoking law since November of last year, permanently banning smoking for those born on or after January 1, 2007.

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