Northern Ireland takes ‘significant step towards smoke-free generation’ says Robin Swann

Northern Ireland has taken a “significant step towards a smoke free generation”, health minister Robin Swann has said.

It comes after a motion to include the north in the UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill was passed by MLAs at Stormont on Tuesday.

The proposed legislation will make it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1 2009 and will provide powers to allow for further regulatory measures to address youth vaping.

During the Assembly debate, Mr Swann urged MLAs to back the motion in a bid to create a smoke-free generation as well as tackling the problem of youth vaping.

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He said it is hoped the legislation could potentially “stop people from ever starting to smoke”.

Mr Swann said: “Tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable illness and premature death, with over 2,000 people in Northern Ireland dying from smoking attributable conditions every year.

“Treating tobacco related conditions also costs our hospitals over £200 million annually.

“Support for proposed measures to tackle these issues is clear in the responses received from the Northern Ireland public to the UK wide consultation on the Bill.

“The Assembly has today taken the opportunity for bold action to protect our children and grandchildren from the misery that tobacco use brings and I welcome this positive step forward.”

Liz Kimmins, chair of the Stormont health committee, said members supported the Bill, which would “unquestionably provide health benefits”.

Richard Spratt from Cancer Focus NI said they were “delighted that the legislative consent motion on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill passed without objection”.

“This is a significant step to achieving a smokefree Northern Ireland, which will have untold health benefits for our people - and for our health service,” he said.

“In Northern Ireland each year, smoking causes approximately 35,000 hospital admissions and 2,200 deaths.

“We are optimistic that this legislative consent motion and Bill will help protect future generations from these harms.”

It comes as a new study has revealed people in Northern Ireland want tougher measures to tackle underage vape sales, with calls for the introduction of a new vaping licence for shopkeepers.

Almost two thirds of those surveyed also said they believe on-the-spot fines for retailers caught selling to the underage should be increased.

Asli Ertonguc from vape manufacturer BAT UK, which commissioned the research, said: “There is a narrow window to get this right with the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

“The introduction of a retail licence and increased fines would provide a much greater measure of control around who can sell vapes and help keep these products out of the hands of the underage.”