As the UK moves closer to passing a historic smoking ban, Public Health Minister Andrew Gwynne has issued a clear warning to Gen Z: smoking isn’t cool—it’s deadly. With rising tobacco use among young people, the government aims to create the nation’s first smoke-free generation.
The Ban That Could Change History
The proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which faces another crucial vote this week, could outlaw cigarette sales to anyone born after January 2009. This generational ban is designed to prevent youth from picking up smoking and to ease the £2 billion annual burden smoking-related illnesses place on the NHS.
Retailers caught selling tobacco to the restricted age group would face harsh penalties, mirroring the current enforcement on underage sales. Beyond cigarettes, the government plans to tackle vaping with a new tax aimed at curbing its accessibility and appeal.
But despite the looming legislation, smoking is seeing a cultural resurgence among Gen Z. Social media accounts like “Cigfluencers” glamorize celebrities holding cigarettes, fueling a rise in non-cigarette tobacco use, including cigars and pipes. A University College London study even shows a five-fold increase in such products over the past decade, particularly among 18-24-year-olds.
Minister Gwynne urges young people to see past the allure. Speaking as a father and grandfather, he stressed: “Smoking kills. It’s an addictive product. There’s nothing sexy about yellow fingers, bad breath, or clothes that stink of smoke.”
The minister’s message is stark but clear: “It harms you and those around you. This government is committed to creating a smoke-free UK.”
With legislation targeting tobacco and vapes on the horizon, the hope is to shift societal norms and prioritize health over harmful trends. For the UK’s youth, the message is simple: cigarettes might be back on Instagram, but they should never be back in your life.
