B.C. government watching U.K.’s new smoking law with ‘great interest’

The B.C. government is keeping a close eye on sweeping changes to smoking laws in the U.K.

The B.C. government admitted it’s intrigued by sweeping new anti-smoking legislation in the United Kingdom that will ban cigarette sales to anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 2009—and for life.

The proposed law, known as the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, would create a so-called “smoke-free generation” by raising the legal age to buy tobacco every year, and eventually phasing out sales altogether.

In other words, anyone aged 17 and under would never be able to legally purchase cigarettes in the U.K., no matter how old they get.

“I’ve been watching with great interest how they’re looking at that,” said B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma.

Likewise, Health Minister Josie Osborne said she thinks it’s “a fantastic vision” to do whatever can be done to stop people from lighting up.

“If a program like ‘smoke free generation’ and banning the sale of cigarettes to one age, and then having that age increase every single year, is a way to move forward, then I’m sure I’m going to consider it,” she said.

The landmark legislation, which is expected to become law this week, is not without controversy.

“My body. If I want to smoke; I can smoke,” said a resident from London’s Camden Town.

U.K. officials insisted the goal is to reduce smoking rates and ease pressure on the health-care system, where tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable illness and death.

It would apply across the U.K. and also includes new restrictions on vaping, including limits on marketing and youth access.