NI Backs UK Legislation To Create A Smoke-Free Generation

The Northern Ireland Assembly has voted in favour of including Northern Ireland in the UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at creating a smoke-free generation.

The Bill, which will now proceed, includes measures such as restricting the sale of tobacco products to individuals born after 1 January 2009 and banning the sale of non-nicotine vapes to under-18s.

"Smoking is the number one cause of preventable illness and premature death," said Health Minister Mike Nesbitt. "Each year over 2,000 people in Northern Ireland die from smoking-related conditions and it increases the risk of over 50 serious health conditions."

The Bill also empowers the Northern Ireland Executive to extend smoke-free places to include outdoor areas such as workplaces and public spaces. "The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is a landmark step which provides us with an opportunity to reduce preventable deaths and health inequalities across Northern Ireland and protect our children, young people and future generations from the harms of tobacco and nicotine addiction," Minister Nesbitt added.

Professor Sir Michael McBride, Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland, welcomed the Assembly's decision. "Smoking is a life limiting addiction and two thirds of smokers wish they had never started," he said. "I am extremely concerned about the significant rise in the prevalence of vaping amongst young people, given the evidence of a gateway effect between vaping, subsequent cigarette use and the blatant marketing of vapes to young people."

The Bill has received strong support from cancer charities, political representatives, and the four UK Chief Medical Officers.