Tobacco and Vapes Bill: Sunderland residents react

MPs have voted to restrict the sale of cigarettes in the UK, which follows their previous commitment to ban the sale of disposable vapes.

Sunderland residents have reacted to the recent tobacco and vapes ban.

While most parents welcome this bill, others say people should be free to do as they wish.

The bill raises the age of sale for all tobacco products one year every year from 2027 onwards. This means that tobacco can never be legally sold to anyone born on or after 1st January 2009.

49- year- old Matt Allen, said: "At first appearance, the intention behind the cigarette ban can almost be thought of as sincere and commendable, focusing on preventing the UK’s youth from accessing poisonous, yet, desperately addicting substances.

"In our frantic pursuit of a healthier society, we must be wary of letting our representatives transform themselves into what many might perceive as a 'nanny state.' Health is undeniably important, but so is our freedom to make our own choices."

The business owner said, everyday, refined and processed foods also pose huge health risks yet are treated with a much lighter hand within the public arena and regulation. Unlike tobacco products, these do not come with stern health warnings, despite their documented dangers.

"This inconsistent approach to health advocacy skews public perceptions of risk and appropriate government intervention", he added.

Derek Park said: "The majority of adults once smoked. Although we were discouraged from doing so as youngsters it achieved little since it was a clear case of "do as I say, not as I do.

"Our parents smoked, our teachers smoked, our priests smoked & even our doctors smoked. Little chance then of us not following suit & most of us became regular smokers during our teens. I have to say that I found it easier than I had imagined to pack in.

Park said while vaping is undeniably less harmful, it's main benefits lie in helping to wean smokers off the habit.

77-year-old Hannah Barlow, said: "I think it’s a very sensible rule,and glad it’s been passed. I smoked for about 55 yrs and tried several times to stop without success, and don’t know one single smoker who wished they had never started.

"Thankfully it’s about 8 yrs now since I managed to stop for good and I am so proud. Only people who have never smoked think it’s a bad rule", she added.

"I started smoking when I was 12 and smoked for 28 years. I wanted to stop smoking many years earlier and tried different methods of which none worked until I read the book "Easy way to stop smoking", said Trevor.

Never smoked since, not withdrawal symptoms or urges to smoke again.

It was a culture shock for me to see how people smoke and vape in the UK, young and old, said 38-year-old Simon Utethe.

"People complain about the rising cost of goods but dont complain about the cost of buying cigarettes and vapeing.

"Sometimes I can't comprehend how despite the strong advocacy on the danger of cigarettes people still engage in it."

What is your take?