Up In Smoke

The U.K. is looking to raise up the world’s first “smoke-free generation.”

The House of Lords passed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill Tuesday; royal approval is expected within days. Starting January 1, 2027, the U.K.’s legal smoking age will rise by one year every year—meaning anyone born after 2008 will never be able to buy tobacco legally (sellers will face penalties). 

Proposed by then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in 2023, the bill also lets the government regulate vape flavours and bans vaping near playgrounds, schools, and hospitals. 

The U.K.’s Health Secretary said the law will “save lives, ease pressure on the NHS, and build a healthier Britain"; smoking costs the National Health Service ~£3B ($3.8B) yearly. Critics argue it creates “two tiers” of adults and overrides personal freedoms.

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Verse to consider when evaluating how to honor God with your habits… “‘Everything is permissible,’ but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible,’ but not everything builds up… So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” 
1 Corinthians 10:23, 31 (CSB) (read full passage)