William Eichler 04 October 2023

Questions raised over enforcement of smoking ban

Questions raised over enforcement of smoking ban image
Image: Nopphon_1987 / Shutterstock.com.

Local authority leaders have welcomed the PM’s ambition to eliminate smoking but have also called for ‘clarity’ on how new restrictions on the sale of cigarettes will be enforced.

In his speech today at the Conservative conference, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a ‘historic new law’ to stop children who turn 14 this year or younger from being sold cigarettes in England.

The change in the law could phase out smoking in young people almost completely by 2040 and could reduce the £17bn-a-year bill that smoking costs the economy.

‘I want to build a better and brighter future for our children, so that’s why I want to stamp out smoking for good,’ said the Prime Minister.

‘These changes will mean our kids will never be able to buy a cigarette, preventing them getting hooked and protecting their health both now and in the future.’

Mr Sunak also announced the Government’s intention to consult on plans to reduce the appeal and availability of vapes to children by – for example – restricting the flavours available.

Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Community Wellbeing Board, welcomed the PM’s announcement but questioned how the smoking ban would be enforced.

‘It is important that clarity is provided on how restrictions on the age of sale can be enforced and councils get the funding they need to successfully implement this policy,’ he said.

‘There should also be sufficient lead-in time, and guidance provided ahead of the legislation coming into force so that councils, retailers and others understand their new obligations and can prepare accordingly.’

Cllr Fothergill also said he was ‘pleased’ the Government had listened to the concerns of local authorities when it came to the growing popularity of vaping with young people but added that an ‘outright ban remains the most effective solution to this problem.’

The Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) also welcomed the Prime Minister’s proposals.

Alice Wiseman, ADPH policy lead for Addiction, said: 'We can’t do it by words alone. In order for these, and any other regulations, to be implemented effectively there must be a sustained increase in funding.

'DsPH work incredibly hard with partners in their local communities to reduce the number of people taking up smoking and to provide support for people who want to stop. At the moment our efforts are simply not supported by adequate funding and so while we welcome the promise of increased investment, it needs to translate to a real terms increase.'

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Makaton Tutor - Part Time / Term Time

Essex County Council
£25821.00 - £30377.00 per annum + + Pension
Makaton Tutor - Part Time / Term TimePermanent, Part Time£30,377 per annum, full time equivalent / equal to £15.74 per hour.Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Assistant Urban Design Intern

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Assistant Urban Design InternFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Wellbeing and Independence Practitioner - Safeguarding Team

Essex County Council
£31931.00 - £36423.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Wellbeing and Independence Practitioner - ASC Centralised Safeguarding TeamFixed Term, Full Time£31,931 to £36,423 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Financial Strategy Manager (Revenue)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we invest in our borough's future.Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we inves England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Manager - Locality

Wakefield Council
£55,979.00, Grade 13
Wakefield Children’s Services have been rated by Ofsted as GOOD with outstanding leadership. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner