UK policymaker and expert perspectives on the smoke-free generation policy: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The UK smoke-free generation (SFG) proposal seeks to ban the sale of tobacco products to those born in or after 2009. There is substantial evidence for the benefits of raising the age of sale of tobacco but, despite several governments proposing SFG, the policy has faced significant challenge and has not been implemented at nation-state level. This study explores the context in which UK may be the first country to introduce SFG, identifies potential barriers and facilitators to SFG implementation and outlines possible approaches to SFG policy design.

Methods

We conducted 19 qualitative semistructured interviews with policymakers and health leaders in England, Scotland and Wales, including politicians, public health experts, academics, trading standards experts (

SUBMITTER: Davies N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11816585 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature