Age restrictions for a longer life

As result of a globally anti-smoking trend, in England and Wales was introduced age restriction for buying cigarettes in all local markets. Cigarettes must be sold only to teenagers that will get 18 years old.

The age-restriction for British state from 16 to 18 years was introduced in October. Government argued that through the introduction of limited age for buying cigarettes the number of smoking children will go down. It is planned that restriction on tobacco products should go in line with alcohol restriction. It is expected to kill two rabbits with one shot.

The limitation of age for buying smoking tobacco already occurred in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and USA.

As national survey showed, around 70% of children under age of 16 freely can by smoking cigarettes from small shops or corner shops. This number is very critical. “Smoking is dangerous at any age, but the younger people start to smoke, the more likely they are to become life-long smokers and to die earlier” said Caroline Flint, member of Public Health Minister. Also, she affirmed that children who begin to use tobacco under age of 15 are three times likely to die from cancer.

Dr Vivienne Nathanson, head of science and ethics at the British Medical Association, declared that the common restriction on cigarettes and alcohol selling is a right step, but this must be sustained also by special anti-tobacco programs that will encourage teenagers not to smoke or to drop it.

There are big amount of advertisements that promote the idea that smoking is cool. Government must count this condition and give a resolute answer for this trend.

James Lowman, a spokesman for the Association of Convenience Stores, said that as result of the sale limit will create some “difficulties” for shops that will refuse to sell cigarettes to children that are under 18 year. And, as well costumers must be prepared for presentation of identity card in order to prove their age.

Campaign against the “early cigarette smoking” must be upheld with mutual enthusiasm of British government and markets where tobacco products are sold.