31 January, 2024
On 23 January the European Respiratory Society brought together expert speakers to discuss tobacco cessation policy in the UK and beyond.
The event follows the UK announcement in October 2023 proposing ‘stop to start’ policy, which if successful would prohibit children born on or after 1 January, 2009 from legally buying cigarettes.
The event featured panel discussions from leading public figures and academics on the implementation of this policy, and any foreseeable challenges. Members of the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand gave a presentation on similar policy in New Zealand, covering the context, adoption, implementation, and ultimate repeal, as well as the planned next steps. Finally, the group discussed how similar tobacco cessation policies to be adopted by other countries in the European region.
After the hearing expert presentations and taking part in panel discussions, stakeholders at the event highlighted several recommendations for countries to progress towards tobacco endgame:
- A package of policies across the EU to ensure tobacco free children.
- Universal provision of tobacco dependency treatment.
- Countering the tobacco industry.
ERS will continue to drive conversation on tobacco cessation, and urge national governments to tighten their tobacco regulations and take action against the tobacco industry.
Read a full summary of the event
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