South Australia is poised to consider radical new laws that ban the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to those born on or after January 1, 2009.
This approach, inspired by a similar law enacted in the United Kingdom, aims to create an entire generation of South Australians who are smoke-free for life.
Championed by Independent MP Frank Pangallo, the bill seeks to address the significant health and economic costs associated with smoking and will be introduced into parliament tomorrow.
The proposed legislation, if passed, would effectively establish a rolling age restriction, ensuring that future generations remain free from the harms of tobacco use.
Pangallo confirmed the ban would include vapes.
“Also we will ban vending machines. So that there’ll be no sales of tobacco in vending machines,” he said.
Anyone caught supplying tobacco in breach of the ban would face a fine of up to $40,000.
The proposed laws, if enacted, would take effect from January 1, 2025.
However, their successful passage through parliament hinges on securing government support.
“We’ll be looking at the detail of this and we’re happy to keep working with Frank on that. And looking at the evidence around the work on what’s worked,” Health Minister Chris Picton said.
9News understands the Cancer Council has already been working with Pangallo on the bill.
Pangallo said a dedicated enforcement unit would be needed to uphold the law.
“You actually need a dedicated enforcement unit much like a 21st-century Untouchables, that will go in, smash the door down, seize these products and close these people down,” he said.
This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.
