Plan to Effectively Ban Smoking in the UK: Mixed Views from Residents
The proposed plan to progressively raise the minimum smoking age in the UK by one year annually has met with mixed reactions among residents. UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak's plan is aimed at improving the nation's health and has been described as the 'most significant public health intervention in a generation'.
Strong Support for the Smoking Ban Initiative
Advocating for the proposed ban, Tracy Blankley, an employee at Sleaford newsagent Willsons on Northgate, voiced her support for Mr Sunak's initiative. According to her, "It's a good idea because it will stop people smoking. It might not be as smooth as expected, but then nothing ever is. Something needs to be done." She also highlighted the need to control underage vaping which is becoming 'too easy' despite plans to outlaw disposables.
Concerns About Enforcement and Potential Black Markets
Meanwhile, another local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, raised concerns about the execution of the ban and the potential for black markets to emerge. Drawing a comparison to the American Prohibition era in the 20th century, she mentioned, "It's fine in principle, but I think the execution will be dubious. People will just have to rely on going to duty-free or they'll buy them from underground, ushering in the next Prohibition." She also suggested that the proposed cut-off age of 14 might lead to future disparities. "In a couple of decades, a 35 year old husband might legally buy cigarettes, but his 34 year old wife can't. He'll just buy them for her."
Proposed Smoking Ban: The Fine Details and Older Residents' Opinions
If the proposed smoking ban is approved, anyone born after January 1, 2009, will never be able to legally buy tobacco products. However, the smoking of legal tobacco products will not be outlawed and anyone currently permitted to buy tobacco products will continue to have that right.
Carol Dean, a 66-year-old resident, whilst agreeing with the proposed ban, raised concerns about its enforcement. She suggests, "It's definitely a good idea, but how will they implement it? There is a worry that it’ll go underground. Kids know where to get things, and they'll know where to get illegal cigarettes."
Strong support comes from 80-year-old former smoker, John Davis, who fully endorsed the plan, stating, "It's a good idea if you can discourage people from wasting money on smoking, which I did for many years. It might be difficult to enforce but you can only but try. If you don’t try, you don't succeed."