00:00Throughout Kent, reactions are emerging after a new smoking ban targeting people born after
00:052008 was agreed, with smoking still responsible for thousands of deaths each year, while the
00:11long-term effects of vaping remain uncertain.
00:14It forms part of a wider set of measures aimed at tackling the health impacts of smoking,
00:19one of the UK's leading causes of preventable death, disability and illness.
00:24But health isn't the only concern, especially as the cost of living continues to rise.
00:29Research shows the average smoker has about 10 to 11 cigarettes a day, so this comes to
00:35about 3.5 to 4 packs every week.
00:38I just got out of the shop, I spent £47 on three packs of cigarettes.
00:43If I'm right, the number of admit, 400,000 admissions a year to NHS that's smoking-related
00:50illnesses and around 80,000 deaths.
00:53So, it costs a lot of money for NHS, so that will help NHS economically, economic benefit
01:02for the public as well.
01:03We know a packet of cigarettes cost 16, 17, close to £20 now, and we are going through
01:10a cost of living crisis.
01:11I know people who smoke 40 cigarettes a day, we're talking about close to £40 per day.
01:18Both the Commons and the Lords have now agreed on a final draft of what's being described
01:23as a landmark legislation.
01:25The bill aims to create a smoke-free generation by making it illegal for shops to sell tobacco
01:30to anyone born after 2008.
01:33Once it receives royal assent, ministers will also gain new powers to regulate tobacco, vaping
01:39and nicotine products, including their flavours and packaging.
01:42However, the policy has sparked some debate.
01:45Some argue it restricts individual freedom and the right to make personal choices.
01:50So what do people in Kent make of it?
01:52I think there's a thing for freedom of choice.
01:54But when young kids start to smoke, they don't know what they're getting into.
01:59Not really.
02:00It's been well known that smoking really is harmful.
02:04It's not something you can say, do it in moderation, it'll be alright.
02:08It is definitely very harmful.
02:11So I think it's a very, very good idea.
02:14Like, if people are allowed to drink, they should be allowed to smoke, but at the same
02:17time, the effects of smoking and vaporing are a hell of a lot worse than that of drinking.
02:21While people will be able to continue smoking and vaping inside their homes, it will be banned
02:26in cars carrying children, in playgrounds and outside schools and at hospitals, expanding
02:32smoke-free laws.
02:33Maisie Walker for KNTV, Medway.
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