Denmark wants those born after 2010 to never get to smoke

Denmark announced on Tuesday a plan for future generations to never get to smoke, banning the sale of nicotine products to all those born after 2010.

“Our goal is that all people born in 2010 and beyond never start smoking or using nicotine-based products,” Health Minister Magnus Heunicke said at a press conference.

“If necessary, we are prepared to ban sales to this generation by progressively raising the age limit” to buy these products, he explained.

Currently, the current rule prohibits Danes under 18 years of age from buying tobacco or smoking electronic cigarettes.

However, 31% of people between the ages of 15 and 29 smoke, the minister said.

In addition, tobacco is the leading cause of cancer in the Scandinavian country and causes 13,600 deaths annually in a population of 5.8 million inhabitants.

According to a survey commissioned by the Danish Association for the Fight against Cancer, 64% of respondents were in favor of this plan.

A pioneer in the fight against smoking, New Zealand announced in December a similar plan that seeks to progressively ban the sale of tobacco by increasing the age at which it can be purchased from 2027.

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