5-10-2023 (LONDON) The British government has put forward a proposal to prohibit younger generations from purchasing cigarettes, which would establish one of the world’s strictest smoking regulations and impact the sales of major tobacco firms.
Under the proposed legislation, the legal smoking age would increase by one year annually. If implemented, this measure could potentially eliminate smoking among young people almost entirely by 2040, according to a briefing paper.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the plan during the Conservative Party conference, stating that “a 14-year-old today will never legally be sold a cigarette.” Sunak also highlighted that smoking costs the UK’s healthcare system £17 billion ($20.6 billion) annually, emphasizing the need for action against youth vaping as well.
The government plans to consult on restrictions regarding the flavors and descriptions of vaping products, as well as regulate the packaging and presentation of vapes, as outlined in the briefing paper. Action on Smoking and Health, a campaign group, welcomed Sunak’s proposals, suggesting that they could expedite the obsolescence of smoking.
However, the tobacco industry has criticized the proposed measures. The Tobacco Manufacturers Association argued that they represent a “disproportionate attack” on the rights of adults and would encourage illicit trade in tobacco products. The association cautioned that the prohibition of legal products often leads to unintended consequences and provides an opportunity for criminal gangs to sell illegal goods.
Imperial Brands, the manufacturer of Winston cigarettes and Golden Virginia rolling tobacco, expressed concerns that the ban could result in “unintended consequences.” British American Tobacco, the maker of Lucky Strike and Dunhill, claimed that enforcing the proposed regulations would be challenging.
The smoking policy would need to pass a free vote in the UK Parliament, allowing lawmakers to vote independently rather than strictly adhering to party policies. If approved, the UK would become the first European country, following New Zealand’s announcement last year, to ban smoking for future generations.
Experts have noted that increasing the smoking age has proven effective in reducing smoking rates among young people worldwide.
Analysts have suggested that the proposed ban could impact companies that heavily rely on revenue from tobacco sales in the UK, such as Japan Tobacco, the manufacturer of Camel and Benson & Hedges, and Imperial Brands. While the immediate effects are expected to be minimal, the ban’s long-term consequences could gradually become significant. Owen Bennett, an analyst at Jefferies, highlighted that individuals aged 18 to 25 currently constitute around 10% of the UK’s adult smokers.
Following the UK’s lead, other nations may choose to adopt similar measures, posing a risk to all tobacco companies. Denmark is already considering a comparable move, and several countries have set targets to reduce smoking to minimal levels in the near future.
