Putting obstacles in way of young smokers and vapers has merit

The designers of bicycle sheds never intended for them to become de facto smoking shelters. However, for generations, this was invariably what happened in schools up and down the country. Despite the sale of cigarettes being restricted to adults, under-18s could always find a way of getting them. In more recent times, more stringent enforcement cut down on the supply.

The effects of smoking are beyond debate. Those who become addicted young, when their bodies are developing, can experience lifelong illnesses.

Data shows about 4,500 deaths each year can be put down to smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke. Smoking can cause an enormous range of preventable illness and disability, including 16 types of cancer.

It can lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular diseases including coronary heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, aneurysms and strokes.

Rheumatoid arthritis can be brought on by smoking, as can diabetes and dementia. It’s a real death list.

Then the scourge of vaping arrived on the scene – and with it the unknown impact of inhaling such a concoction of chemicals. Among the scientific and medical communities, there are concerns of the longterm impact. Policy makers have been slow to respond.

A ban on selling vapes to children was only enacted last year. From September, there will be curbs on the advertising of vapes on public transport and near schools. There will also be a ban on the sale of vapes at events attended by children.

A ban on the sale of tobacco and vape products from vending machines is also to be enacted shortly. A new licensing regime will mean all shops selling these products have to pay an annual licence fee.

New laws are being prepared to curb the sale of vapes. The legislation is supposed to address issues such as the hundreds of flavours available and brightly coloured packaging.

While smoking has been cracked down on repeatedly, the companies behind vapes seem to be getting away with a lot of the old tricks of the tobacco trade.

Putting up hurdles to access does work to a degree. There is merit in legislation, to be approved by Government this week, that will increase the minimum legal age of tobacco purchase to 21.

There will be accusations of a nanny state being in operation. Reasonable arguments can be put forward that once you hit adult age, the decisions you take on your health and wellbeing are your own choice. Likewise, the State is obliged to take measures that prevent people from harming themselves.

But equally, there are legitimate concerns about the rate of smoking going up in recent years. The legislation won’t stop smokers aged 18 to 21 from buying cigarettes as it will only be introduced gradually.

Lifting the minimum age will place an obstacle in the way of younger smokers and also limit their interaction with peers who are smoking, up to a point. It might not go far enough, but it has merit.