Rishi Sunak’s Smoking BAN: You Won’t BELIEVE Who It Affects!
Rishi Sunak’s flagship smoking ban cleared its first Commons hurdle on Tuesday, despite nearly half of Tory MPs withholding their support. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which proposes to prohibit the sale of cigarettes to anyone born after 2009, was pushed through with the help of Labour MPs.
The legislation has sparked debate, with critics arguing that it could lead to a black market for tobacco and raise questions about the role of the state in individual choice. However, supporters of the bill maintain that it is a necessary step to improve public health and reduce the appeal of smoking to younger generations.
A total of 165 Conservative MPs either abstained or voted against the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, while 180 Tories supported it. The bill, which aims to curb tobacco sales to individuals born after 2009, passed its first reading in the House of Commons with 383 votes in favor and 67 opposed.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak views this policy as a cornerstone of his legacy ahead of the upcoming general election, expected later this year.
Here, we delve into the specifics of Mr. Sunak’s plans and explore the potential implications of this controversial legislation.
The government’s bold plan involves incrementally increasing the legal age for purchasing cigarettes, starting from the current minimum age of 18. This strategy aims to phase out tobacco sales rather than abruptly criminalizing smoking.
Under this scheme, the legal age to buy cigarettes will gradually rise year after year, eventually surpassing the typical retirement age. However, those who are currently legally allowed to purchase cigarettes will retain that right in the future.
By 2043, the legal landscape for tobacco purchases will look very different. Only individuals aged 35 or older will be permitted to legally buy cigarettes, and retailers will have the authority to request ID from anyone seeking to purchase tobacco products.
Additionally, the legislation includes a ban on disposable vapes and introduces restrictions on flavors. Only four approved vape flavors will be available, representing a significant shift in the vaping market.
When announcing the smoking ban at the Conservative Party Conference in October, Rishi Sunak emphasized its potential impact on public health and the reduction of smoking among minors. He stated that the ban would ensure that a 14-year-old at the time of the announcement would never legally purchase cigarettes, allowing their generation to grow up smoke-free.
Mr. Sunak also highlighted the positive outcomes from previous tobacco control measures, noting a 30% decrease in smoking among under-18s when the legal age was raised to 18. Additionally, he addressed the financial burden of smoking-related issues, citing an annual cost to the country of £17 billion, along with the strain it places on the NHS.
Mr. Sunak clarified that the proposed smoking ban is not intended as a moral judgment on individuals who choose to smoke. He assured that the rights of current smokers would be respected, and the parliamentary vote on this matter would be a free vote, similar to previous votes on tobacco control measures like banning smoking in public places and raising the smoking age to 18.
The Prime Minister framed the ban as an opportunity to significantly reduce cancer deaths and ease pressures on the healthcare system, while also protecting younger generations from the harms of smoking.
The smoking ban has divided Conservative MPs, with a significant number either abstaining or voting against the legislation. Specifically, 59 Tories opposed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, including Kemi Badenoch, who is viewed as a potential leadership contender.
Ms. Badenoch expressed her disagreement with the Bill’s approach, arguing that legally competent adults should not be subjected to differential treatment. She took to Twitter to announce her intention to vote against the Bill, stating that she does not support the direction it is taking.
Liz Truss, the former prime minister, also opposed the Bill, citing concerns about the state’s role in regulating individual choices. She argued that adults should have the autonomy to make decisions about their health and enjoyment, including smoking.
Ms. Truss expressed discomfort with the idea of the state protecting adults from themselves, believing it to be “hugely problematic” and akin to infantilizing citizens. She emphasized individual freedom and the right to make personal choices without excessive governmental intervention.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has sparked diverse reactions among prominent political figures. Suella Braverman and Robert Jenrick, alongside Liz Truss, voted against it, while Penny Mordaunt and Priti Patel chose to abstain.
Meanwhile, Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary, proposed a similar ban nearly a year ahead of Mr. Sunak’s announcement. He has pledged to take a tough stance on the vaping industry if Labour comes into power after the next general election.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill includes a fixed penalty notice regime, empowering authorities to issue on-the-spot fines as an alternative to court prosecution for violations. Trading Standards officers will be responsible for enforcing the law, targeting individuals who sell vaping products to minors or cigarettes to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009 – encompassing all of Generation Alpha.
These fines carry a maximum penalty of £2,500, underscoring the seriousness with which the government views tobacco control and the protection of younger generations from the harms of smoking.
The smoking ban enforcement will target both businesses and individuals who violate the law. In the case of underage sales, either the shop worker who made the sale or the business entity could receive a substantial fine.
Additionally, anyone purchasing or attempting to buy cigarettes on behalf of someone below the legal age would be subject to a fixed penalty notice. Failure to pay the fine within 28 days could result in prosecution in the courts, which authorities could pursue at any time during the subsequent six-month period.
The financial impact of smoking bans on businesses, particularly newsagents and convenience stores, is a valid concern. The experience of New Zealand, which implemented a similar smoking ban under former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, offers a cautionary tale.
Despite government subsidies, business owners in New Zealand reported a loss of revenue, leading to the eventual repeal of the legislation by the new government at the end of last year.
As the UK moves forward with its smoking ban, it remains to be seen how these businesses will fare and what support they may require to navigate the potential financial challenges ahead.
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