Britain has moved to curb smoking by passing a sweeping bill that will prohibit the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to people born after January 1, 2009. The government said the step is aimed at building a healthier future generation.
According to the report, smoking-related illnesses claim around 64,000 lives in the UK every year. The government is also said to spend more than Rs 30,000 crore annually on treatment for smokers.
The Tobacco and E-cigarette Prevention Bill has cleared both houses of Parliament. Under the measure, selling tobacco products to anyone born on or after the cut-off date will be a criminal offence.
The bill is expected to become law once it receives approval from King Charles next week. The age-based restrictions are expected to be implemented in full from 2027.
