Khaberni - The United Kingdom's plans to prevent future generations from buying cigarettes will become law this week, which opens the door for a policy still surrounded by questions regarding its effectiveness in reducing smoking, according to "Reuters".
Last week, parliament members approved a bill on tobacco and electronic cigarettes that permanently prohibits anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, from buying cigarettes.
The bill, which is set to receive royal assent this week—the final stage of the legislative process, tightens the rules relating to electronic cigarettes and other nicotine products, particularly in terms of marketing and display.
The opinions of people in London are divided about whether the law will achieve its purpose.
Student Menola Slavicky, aged 21, said on Monday: "I think it is important to prevent teenagers and young children... There are currently too many using electronic cigarettes and smoking in the streets."
Harry Jordan, a 23-year-old tennis player, said people will find another way to obtain these products and that it will not solve the problem.
Mohammed, a store owner in East London, told Reuters, standing in front of a row of brightly colored electronic cigarettes: "People will continue smoking nonetheless."
The bill raises the legal age to purchase tobacco by one year each year starting from those born in 2009 onwards, meaning that the age groups concerned will be banned for life.
Government models indicate that smoking rates among the concerned age groups will eventually drop to near zero, easing the pressure on the British healthcare system and pushing smoking to older generations.
The tobacco ban does not include electronic cigarettes, but the law gives ministers broad powers to regulate flavors, packaging, product names, and point of sale displays, a measure the government says aims to deter those under 18 and non-smokers.
