🚬 Tobacco and Vapes Bill (Third sitting)

Public Bill Committees

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The Tobacco and Vapes Bill’s third sitting focused on detailed line-by-line scrutiny, with significant discussion around amendments to clause 1. Dr Caroline Johnson moved amendments to raise the tobacco purchasing age to 25, sparking debate on whether a fixed age or a birth date-specific restriction would be more effective in creating a tobacco-free generation. Concerns were raised about the implications of ID requirements for purchasing tobacco and the potential creation of two tiers of adults. The session highlighted the complexity of the bill and the need for clear enforcement strategies to reduce smoking initiation among younger generations.

Summary

  • The session focused on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, specifically discussing amendments to Clause 1, which prohibits selling tobacco products to individuals born on or after January 1, 2009, aiming to create a tobacco-free generation.

  • Several amendments were proposed to change the age restriction from those born after January 1, 2009, to anyone under 25 years old. These amendments were not supported by the member who moved them on behalf of another MP, but they were debated to ensure a thorough discussion.

  • Key points of debate included the effectiveness of a fixed age limit versus a rolling age restriction based on birth date, and the potential impact on smoking initiation rates. Proponents of the amendment argued that raising the age limit to 25 could prevent more young people from starting smoking.

  • Concerns were raised about the implications of requiring ID for tobacco purchases, with some members worried about the burden on consumers and the potential for creating a two-tier system of adults.

  • Evidence was cited showing that raising the age of sale from 16 to 18 had previously reduced smoking rates in younger age groups, supporting the argument for further age restrictions.

  • The debate also touched on broader tobacco control measures and their historical success in reducing smoking prevalence.

  • It was emphasized that the amendments did not seek to ban smoking outright but to restrict sales to those under the proposed age limits.

  • The session included discussions on logistical issues such as the grouping of amendments and the need for clear communication about the legislative process to new committee members.

  • The debate was adjourned, with plans to continue discussing the bill later in the day.

Divisiveness

The session shows a moderate level of disagreement, mainly centered around the proposed amendments and their implications on the bill’s implementation. Disagreement primarily focused on the age restriction for tobacco sales, with some members advocating for a fixed age limit of 25 (amendment 17 and related amendments) while others supported the bill’s original approach of a rolling age restriction based on those born after 1 January 2009. The discussions also touched on issues of ID requirements and the impact on different age cohorts. However, the disagreements were expressed through debates and questions rather than heated arguments or significant contention, indicating a moderate rather than high level of disagreement.