UK approves lifetime smoking ban for under-18s

LONDON: Children in Britain aged up to 17 years old, as well as all those who will be born in the future, will no longer be allowed to purchase tobacco products since lawmakers have passed new tough regulations about smoking.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill involves increasing the minimum age of purchasing tobacco products by one year every single year from January 1, 2009 onwards, making a lifetime ban applicable to the age groups mentioned above.

The regulations, set to be approved by the Queen in the coming week, impose tighter rules on vaping by banning the sale of vaping products to people below 18 years of age, among other prohibitions.

According to the government, such regulations would contribute to the reduction of smoking, preventing youngsters from being dependent on nicotine products, hence putting less strain on the NHS.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the passing of the bill as a historic moment for the country's health.

"Children in the UK will be part of the first smoke-free generation, protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm," he said.