U.K. Legislators supports anti-smoking, bringing closer to an eventual ban on all tobacco sales

U.K. Legislators in Britain have overwhelmingly supported laws aimed at finally prohibiting smoking. The contentious Tobacco and Vapes Bill is one step closer to becoming law after clearing its first hurdle in parliament.

The law would make selling tobacco illegal for anybody born after January 1, 2009, with the legal age for purchasing tobacco products increasing by one year each year until it reaches the full population.

Should it become law, it would rank among the world's strictest national anti-smoking policies. Since the Tobacco and Vapes Bill would prohibit anyone under the age of 18 from purchasing tobacco products in the United Kingdom, anyone under the age of 18 would never be able to lawfully purchase tobacco in the country. This includes minors turning 15 this year.

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The legislation under consideration would guarantee that individuals who are presently permitted to purchase tobacco products will never be barred from doing so, without making smoking itself illegal. Instead, it would criminalize the sale of tobacco based on the age of the buyer.

However, the bill has caused controversy—even rebellion—within Sunak's own Conservative Party, despite praises from a number of health specialists and widespread support in parliament."

News Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/uk-smoking-ban-lawmakers-back-bill-phased-ban-tobacco-sales/