UK could up smoking age limit

2005-12-04 14:36

London - The minimum age for buying tobacco in Britain could be raised from 16 to 18, the British department of health said on Sunday.

"It's something we're considering," a spokesperson told AFP following reports in a number of British newspapers that tobacco laws could be tightened.

The spokesperson said she could not add any further details but the move, if adopted, would bring buying tobacco into line with the current minimum age limit for purchasing alcohol.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair's government published a controversial draft law last month to impose a partial ban on smoking in public places in England.

But it angered many who sought more air tight restrictions because it exempts places such as private members' clubs and pubs that do not serve food.

Health secretary Patricia Hewitt pushed for tougher measures and had publicly described the proposals as "unworkable". The plan was reported to have been the subject of fierce cabinet infighting.

The Independent on Sunday said Hewitt hoped the new proposal would appease those opposed to the compromise plan and restore her credibility, quoting an unnamed senior aide as saying: "It's a quick win."

"Ms Hewitt is almost certain to adopt the measure early next month, according to officials," the newspaper said.

Anti-smoking lobby group Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) told newspapers they backed raising the age limit but believed it would have minimal impact on reducing smoking in public places without a wider policy.

"The best way to (make smoking a less desirable activity) is a smoking ban in the workplace and all enclosed public spaces," ASH director Deborah Arnott told the Observer.

"The government won't be able to buy off Labour MPs by making these concessions."

Pro-smoking group Freedom of the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco (Forest) told the same newspaper they also did not object to a rise "in principle".

"Smoking should be seen as an adult activity," Forest director Simon Clark said. "Anything that can discourage children from smoking has to be a good thing.

"The problem is implementation. It would be one of those laws that would be difficult to enforce. You could have sex at 16 but not a fag (cigarette) afterwards."

- SAPA