Britain Proposes Banning Younger Generations from Buying Cigarettes

Britain’s government has put forward a proposal to ban younger generations from purchasing cigarettes, aiming to implement some of the strictest smoking rules in the world while also impacting the sales of major tobacco firms. The plan suggests increasing the smoking age by one year every year, potentially phasing out smoking among young people entirely by 2040. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the proposal at the Conservative Party conference, stating that a 14-year-old today will never legally be sold a cigarette.

Smoking costs Britain’s health services £17 billion a year and the government also aims to address youth vaping. The plan includes consultation on restricting the flavors and descriptions of vapes, as well as regulating vape packaging and presentation.

The proposed ban has been welcomed by Action on Smoking and Health, a campaign group, as it could lead to a future where smoking becomes obsolete. However, the tobacco industry has criticized the proposals, with the Tobacco Manufacturers Association arguing that they infringe on adults’ rights and fuel the black market trade of cigarettes.

Potential Impact and Reactions

Academics have stated that increasing the smoking age effectively reduces smoking rates among young people worldwide. The ban could significantly affect companies that heavily rely on British tobacco sales, such as Japan Tobacco and Imperial Brands. Shares in Imperial Brands dropped 3.2% to their lowest level since March 2022, while shares in British American Tobacco fell 1.2%.

Owen Bennett, an analyst at Jefferies, noted that although the short-term effects may be minimal, the ban’s impact could gradually become significant over time. Individuals aged 18-25 currently constitute around 10% of Britain’s adult smokers. There is also the risk that other countries may follow suit, which would further impact tobacco companies.

The smoking policy would need to pass a free vote in the British parliament, allowing lawmakers to vote independently rather than in line with party policies. If the ban is enacted, Britain would become the first country in Europe, following New Zealand, to ban smoking for future generations.

Growing Momentum against Smoking

Denmark is also considering a similar move to ban smoking for future generations. Additionally, several countries have set targets to reduce smoking to minimal levels in the near future. As societies become increasingly aware of the risks and harms associated with smoking, the momentum to impose stricter regulations continues to grow.