British lawmakers advance smoking ban for people born after 2008

UK parliamentarians passed a law on Tuesday barring anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 2009, from purchasing tobacco, vapes and other smoking products, theoretically ensuring that future generations will never purchase cigarettes. Gillian Merron, the UK’s health minister, characterized the measure as a landmark bill that will create a smoke-free generation. King Charles III must now sign the law for final approval and enforcement.

The so-called Tobacco and Vapes Bill also included a ban on oral tobacco placed between the gum and lip. Any breaches in law or failures to check patrons' ages would result in a fine of about $270. Shops with repeat offenses may be barred from selling tobacco and vaping products for up to a year. The law also banned vape vending machines, and many indoor smoke-free spaces will automatically be considered vape-free as well.

Does this include smokeless nicotine products? The legislation expressly included sales of nicotine products, seemingly including the popularized nicotine pouches, popularly recognized by the brand Zyn.