‘Anything to deter children is good’ as smoke-free generation plans progress

The new Labor government unveiled its plans to create a generation of smoke-free Britons last week – but not all Bristol Live readers can agree it’s being done the right way in our comments sections.

The new bill unveiled at the King’s Speech will progressively raise the age at which people can legally buy tobacco products in shops, in the hope of reducing smoking rates among 14-30-year-olds to zero by 2040. If the new law will go ahead as planned, anyone born after January 1, 2009 will never be able to legally buy cigarettes.

The bill promises to tackle the take-up of vaping among children as well, with ministers tasked with overseeing the marketing and packaging of vapes – and authorities being able to fine shops that break the ban. Smoking is estimated to cost the UK £7 billion more than it raises in taxes, and the jury is still out on the long-term health effects of vaping.

READ MORE: Bus not seeing rise in street alcohol, police say

READ MORE: Threat of criminal investigation after Bristol City Council illegally placed children in care in unregistered homes

Reader D1nk13 writes: “Went on holiday recently and was surprised at how popular smoking is for the under 30s. So many couples light up, and in between they don’t smoke a cigarette, they constantly suck on a vape device. As sad as it is. it has definitely been proven not good for your health Any disincentive to the future younger generation would be good.”

Thecookedsock comment says: “Of course it should be banned, we ban substances far less harmful and addictive than tobacco.”

Keither says he may have missed the moment: “I think it’s a bit late with kids smoking and vaping, I know so many who do, I also think kids smoking weed is a big problem.”

Opponents of the plan say personal freedom is more important. Dizzy1 writes: “Why governments are determined to take away people’s choice. People know the risks, let them decide.”

Bluethroughnthrough says: “The problem is that by going down this road, you risk making smoking a taboo! Which, in turn, creates an even bigger black market than the one we already have.”

“In my experience growing up, kids were much more likely to smoke if their parents were doing it, so maybe the onus should be on the parents to stop, with all the support available being free at the access point, if we’re with really serious about stopping this appalling habit in its tracks, I have to say I’m a bit disappointed with Labour’s approach to this!”

On our Facebook page, Hilary Patterson says: “I don’t and don’t smoke, but I do believe in freedom of choice.” Stephen Osbourne agrees: “What are they going to tell us next that will be banned or banned? Fish and chips because it has too much fat? Or do you go to a pub because it sells alcohol?”

What do you think is Britain’s most pressing health crisis? Comment below and join the conversation.