Great Britain followed in the footsteps New Zealand in the decision to get smoke-free generation. In 2021, the country of Oceania came up with a bill that would lower the age from 2026 No smoking. This will ultimately create generations completely smoke-free. Unfortunately, the change in power and economic interests led to the fact that the new leaders of this country backed down at the end of 2023. But this has not stopped other countries from maintaining an interest in copying the original initiative. The first to do it British governmentbut there are already others who have expressed a willingness to do the same in a few years.
In the case of the United Kingdom, the ban affects people born after 2009. Thus, by 2027 there will be a generation completely free from smoking. The proposal proved highly controversial as it was approved by the House of Commons under 383 votes for and 67 againstmany of whom come specifically from the Prime Minister’s party, Rishi Sunak.
In fact, his predecessor Boris Johnson, was one of the deputies most critical of the law. But criticism will not stop the UK from moving forward with its proposal. Much stricter regulation than the current one has also been proposed for e-Sigs. These products, whose risks are increasingly clear, are widely consumed among young Britons. Therefore, a timely ban can be critical. Unfortunately, this is even more controversial, which is why the Sunak government does not believe it will be easy to move forward.
Countries in search of a smoke-free generation
Currently, most countries that impose age restrictions on tobacco use set them above 18 years of age. However, in 2021, the New Zealand government made a dramatic change, talking for the first time about the possibility of creating a smoke-free generation. By increasing this age limit more and more, there will come a time when the youngest They could never smoke.
In the United Kingdom, where a new anti-smoking law has just been passed, it is estimated that two thirds of smokers first tried tobacco before the age of 18. Moreover, despite the bans, there are currently about 90,000 smokers aged 11 to 15 in the country. Much tougher restrictions need to be introduced, which is why the Sunak government did not hesitate to propose this. And this is not the only one.
IN Portugal The possible adoption of a similar law has already been announced, which aims to create a smoke-free generation from 2040. Canadawhere tobacco consumption among new generations is expected to decline to 5% by 2035.
France It hasn’t introduced such drastic bans, but it also hopes to create a smoke-free generation by making tobacco extremely expensive. Relatively MexicoThere is no talk of age restrictions either, but there are plans to limit the places where you can smoke so much that it can only be done at home.
Case of Spain
At the moment, there is no talk of a smoke-free generation in Spain. However, our country has been among those who have proposed the toughest tobacco laws for many years.
It all started in 1988, when smoking was banned in the country. schools and hospitals. In addition, advertising has since been prohibited tobacco on television.
Soon after, in 1992, smoking was banned in flying lasting less than 90 minutes, and in 1999 the ban was extended to all intercity flights and buses. Then, in 2005, tobacco consumption was banned in workplacespaving the way to greatness anti-smoking law passed in 2010. At the same time, it was established that smoking is now prohibited in recreational areas, but not at the doors of schools and hospitals, even if they were in the open air.
This law had many opponents, but thanks to it many lives were saved. Passive smokers also suffer from the effects of tobacco, so it makes sense that anyone who wants to smoke should do so, at best, at home. After all, they are now dying in Spain 50,000 people because of tobacco. If this law had not been introduced, this figure may have been even higher.
But it is obvious that this law is not enough with the alternatives that have appeared today. For this reason, the current Spanish government is already preparing what will be known as “Comprehensive plan to combat smoking.”
It will consist of four main measures. On the one hand, the implementation of packages generic tobacco, without any claims. Smoking products, be it regular tobacco or electronic cigarettes, will also be prohibited from containing flavorings this can make them more interesting, especially for young people. Continuing e-Sigs, they should be subject to the same prohibitions as regular tobacco. And finally, it is proposed to ban smoking on terraces.
This isn’t about finding a smoke-free generation, but who knows? Perhaps as obstacles are encountered along the way, young people will stop trying to consume these products that only harm their health and wallet.
Source: Hiper Textual
