June 23, 2014

Purchasing cigarettes could be be banned for Britons born after 2000

editor:	Vanessa Ellingham

In an attempt to protect future generations from the negative health effects of smoking, British doctors will vote this week on whether to campaign for a permanent ban on the sale of cigarettes to people born after the year 2000.

The British Medical Association is set to vote on a motion which, if successful, would see doctors lobby the government for this permanent ban.

The vote will take place at the association's annual general meeting on Tuesday.

According to the Guardian, the British Medical Association has previously lobbied successfully for a ban on smoking in public places and smoking in cars with children.

The idea behind the ban is that the next generation should not suffer the same widespread smoking-related deaths of the 20th century.

The vote is sure to ignite debate about restrictions on liberty versus the right to good health for all citizens.