An advertisement regarding the Age of Sale legislation was spotted in Westminster, London, Britain, on April 16, 2024. — Reuters
The British government is set to prohibit smoking outside schools, hospitals, and playgrounds as part of its efforts to alleviate the burden on the state-run National Health Service and reduce taxpayer costs. The government's Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which includes some of the world's most stringent anti-smoking regulations, was slated to be presented to parliament on Tuesday. This bill includes a ban on smoking for younger individuals. However, the government scrapped plans to ban smoking outside pubs and cafes due to concerns about the potential impact on the hospitality sector.
"Unless we take action to promote health, the increasing prevalence of ill-health in our society threatens to overwhelm and bankrupt our NHS," Health Minister Wes Streeting stated. "This landmark legislation will save countless lives." Prime Minister Keir Starmer voiced his support for banning smoking in outdoor areas, such as pub gardens, in August. The British Beer and Pub Association expressed deep concern, warning that such a plan would have a catastrophic effect on venues already grappling with rising costs.
A YouGov poll in September revealed that over three-quarters of Britons would support a ban on smoking outside hospitals, although opinions were more divided on implementing similar measures in pub gardens. The government announced it would be granted powers under the new legislation to ban smoking in specific outdoor areas like children's playgrounds, schools, and hospitals, subject to consultation.
The previous Conservative government had also proposed similar measures to create the first smoke-free generation. However, those plans did not become law before the general election in the summer, when the party lost power. The new legislation will prohibit anyone aged 15 or younger from purchasing cigarettes and aims to make vapes less attractive to children.
The government estimates that smoking causes approximately 80,000 deaths annually and costs the economy £21.8 billion per year in lost productivity and healthcare expenses, significantly outweighing tax revenues. Britain banned smoking in nearly all enclosed public spaces, including bars and workplaces, in 2007. Cancer Research UK reported that this led to an estimated 1.9 million fewer smokers, and research in the British Medical Journal suggested there were 1,200 fewer hospital admissions for heart attacks the following year.
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