The UK government has put forward a groundbreaking proposal to prohibit the sale of cigarettes to younger generations, potentially implementing one of the world's strictest anti-smoking measures. Under this plan, the legal smoking age would increase by one year each year, with the goal of virtually eliminating smoking among young people by 2040.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak unveiled this initiative at the Conservative Party conference, emphasizing the enormous burden smoking places on the UK's healthcare system, costing a staggering £17 billion ($20.6 billion) annually. Additionally, the government intends to address youth vaping by examining restrictions on vape flavors, descriptions, and packaging.

This move has garnered support from health advocacy group Action on Smoking and Health, which believes it could hasten the obsolescence of smoking. However, it has faced strong opposition from the tobacco industry, with the Tobacco Manufacturers Association labeling it a "disproportionate attack" on adults' rights, warning of potential black market trade.

To become law, this smoking policy would need to pass a free vote in the UK Parliament, granting lawmakers the freedom to vote independently of party policies. If enacted, the UK would become the first European country to follow in the footsteps of New Zealand, which introduced a similar plan last year to ban smoking among future generations.

Academics have noted the success of increasing the smoking age in reducing youth smoking rates worldwide. While the immediate impact on tobacco companies is expected to be minimal, analysts suggest that, over time, it could have a significant effect, particularly on companies like Japan Tobacco and Imperial Brands, which rely heavily on British tobacco sales.

In response to the proposal, shares in Imperial Brands fell by 3.2%, reaching their lowest point since March 2022, while British American Tobacco, with a lower exposure to the British market, saw a 1.2% drop in shares by 1357 GMT.

There is also a concern that other nations may follow suit, as Denmark is reportedly considering a similar move, and several countries have set targets to reduce smoking rates substantially in the near future.