| Proud90sKid |
April 29th 2026 10:51 PM |
UK issues lifetime smoking ban for those born after dec 31,2008
In a move that I personally find super draconian as an American, the UK has decided to apply two different sets of laws to different sets of adults. Born before the 12am New Years celebrations of 2009? Then you get to smoke when you turn 18. So if doctor recorded your birth as 11:59, then you get to smoke. If it was recorded as 12am, you are barred for life from buying them legally (or at least being sold them legally). No idea how this will play out when these turn 50,60,70… Is UK gonna card 70 year olds someday? Will this law likely be significantly unenforceable, or is it a precursor to a more general smoking ban at some point in the future?
I’m not a smoker, but a few times a month I will smoke a cigarette while drinking. I know it is not the best for my health but it should be my choice.
If strain on universal healthcare system starts to be more commonly cited as a reason, then this could significantly damage American sentiment towards such a system. Because if that is the case, what is next? Sugar and fast food? Many Americans want universal healthcare in lieu of our current system, but not many will accept the government making lifestyle or diet decisions for them.
Edit: forgot to mention that this only applies to cigarettes and their purchase. I misspoke a bit when I said smoking ban. Smoking itself won’t be illegal. They can make their own, they can “bum” them, but they won’t be able to be legally sold a pack. They can also buy other forms of tobacco. Not sure what UK considers a filtered cigar vs cigarette as that could be a potential loophole.
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