UNITED KINGDOM — In a move to combat the scourge of cigarette smoking, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is exploring a set of innovative measures that could prevent the next generation from ever buying cigarettes.
The inspiration for these anti-smoking efforts comes from New Zealand’s pioneering laws, which include a ban on selling tobacco to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009.
“We want to encourage more people to quit and meet our ambition to be smoke-free by 2030, which is why we have already taken steps to reduce smoking rates,” declared a British government spokesperson, reflecting the urgency of the mission.
These steps include offering free vape kits, implementing a voucher scheme to motivate pregnant women to quit smoking, and considering mandatory cigarette pack inserts.
The policies under consideration are part of a fresh, consumer-focused initiative by Sunak’s team, gearing up for the upcoming election next year. The goal is clear: to create a healthier, smoke-free environment for the future generations of Britain.
Across the globe, New Zealand is leading the charge against smoking with groundbreaking legislation that steadily raises the smoking age.
This unprecedented move ensures that those aged 14 and under will never legally purchase cigarettes, marking a significant victory in the battle against tobacco-related diseases.
Ayesha Verrall, Associate Health Minister in New Zealand, explained the profound impact of these measures at the time, stating, “Thousands of people will live longer, healthier lives, and the health system will be US$5 billion better off from not needing to treat the illnesses caused by smoking, such as numerous types of cancer, heart attacks, strokes, and amputations.”
New Zealand’s approach goes beyond raising the smoking age; it includes measures to make smoking less affordable and accessible.
This entails drastically reducing the legal nicotine levels in tobacco products and restricting their sale to specialty tobacco stores, leaving corner stores and supermarkets out of the equation.
Moreover, New Zealand has intensified funding for health services and campaigns while providing dedicated quitting services for Māori and Pacific communities, ensuring inclusivity in the quest for a smoke-free nation.
The impact of these measures is reflected in the sharp decline of adult smokers in New Zealand over the past decade, plummeting to just 8%. This remarkable progress positions New Zealand at the forefront of anti-smoking efforts among OECD countries.
In stark contrast, Germany has been relatively hesitant in implementing stringent anti-smoking laws. It was only in 2007 that the legal age for purchasing and consuming cigarettes was raised from 16 to 18.
Although teenage smoking rates have declined over the years, 23% of adult Germans still smoke, significantly higher than in New Zealand.
Germany’s slower pace in banning cigarette advertisements, which was only fully enacted in 2007 under EU pressure, and the persistence of cigarette billboards in public spaces until late 2021, contribute to the country’s higher smoking rates.
In addition, Germany will only ban tobacco heater placards in January 2023, and the promotion of e-cigarettes will continue until the end of 2023.
While Germany’s national smoking rate hovers just below the EU average, Greece stands out with the highest proportion of smokers among EU member states, at a staggering 42%.
Despite a ban on cigarette advertisements and smoking restrictions in public places, enforcement remains lax.
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