英國將禁止向 2009 年後出生的青少年販售香菸
UK to ban cigarette sales for youth born after 2009
聯合王國正邁出歷史性的一步，朝向成為無菸國家的目標前進。
The United Kingdom is taking a historic step toward becoming a smoke-free nation.
從2027年開始，政府將對2009年1月1日或之後出生的人實施階段性菸草銷售禁令。
Starting in 2027, the government will implement a phased ban on tobacco sales for anyone born on or after January 1, 2009.
這意味著購買香菸的法定年齡將每年提高一歲，以確保現今的青少年將永遠無法合法購買菸草產品。
This means the legal age to buy cigarettes will rise by one year every year, ensuring that today's youth will never be able to legally purchase tobacco products.
這項稱為《菸草與電子菸法案》的政策，宗旨在於在成癮前預防，而非將現有吸菸者罪刑化。
This policy, known as the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, aims to prevent addiction before it begins rather than criminalizing existing smokers.
除了香菸之外，該法規還通過規管電子菸產品來處理公共衛生問題——限制吸引未成年人的口味與包裝——並將禁菸範圍擴大至操場和學校周邊等戶外區域。
Beyond cigarettes, the legislation addresses public health by regulating vaping products—limiting flavors and packaging that appeal to minors—and expanding smoking bans to outdoor areas like playgrounds and school surroundings.
政府視此為減輕國民健康服務部門負擔的關鍵干預措施，因為吸菸仍是聯合王國首要可預防的死亡原因。
The government views this as a crucial intervention to reduce the NHS burden, as smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death in the UK.
透過專注於銷售限制，聯合王國希望保護未來的世代免受與菸草使用相關的長期健康風險和經濟成本。
By focusing on sales restrictions, the UK hopes to protect future generations from the long-term health risks and economic costs associated with tobacco use.
