A new law, expected to come into effect on January 1, 2027, provides for a permanent ban on the purchase of cigarettes for people born after 2008, thus creating a "smoke-free generation."
This new system, called a “rolling age ban,” means that anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, will never be able to buy tobacco products, even when they reach the age of majority. Unlike a total ban on smoking, this policy aims to gradually eliminate its use by limiting access for younger generations.
In practice, the rule will be based on the existing age verification model, but with stricter controls. Store employees will have to check the identification documents of any customer who may be part of the prohibited group. This could mean that even people in their 30s or 40s will be asked for documents, as the criteria is based on the year of birth, not age.
The law creates a clear division: people born before 2009 will be able to buy cigarettes, while those born after this date will not – even if the difference is only one day.
The ban includes all tobacco products, including those for pipes or shisha, as well as sales in duty-free areas. Tourists who fall into this category will also not be able to buy cigarettes on British soil.
Meanwhile, buying cigarettes for other people (known as "proxy purchasing") remains prohibited and is expected to be more strictly controlled, with fines for violators and penalties for businesses that do not comply with the law.
As for electronic cigarettes, they are not banned completely, but will face stricter regulations, especially regarding advertising, flavors, and packaging, with the aim of reducing use among young people.
Authorities emphasize that the law does not make smoking illegal for those who already consume it, but aims to eliminate it from society over time. The objective is that in the future, no one will have legal access to purchase tobacco products.
However, there has been no shortage of criticism. Some experts warn that the measure could encourage a black market and create difficulties in enforcement, while others call for more support for the millions of existing smokers.
Despite the debates, authorities consider this a historic step for public health, with the aim of significantly reducing tobacco-related diseases and costs in the future. /GazetaExpress/
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