Views sought on more tobacco and nicotine controls

People have been asked for their views on plans to tighten restrictions on tobacco and nicotine products, including the introduction of a generational ban.

Last summer, Michelle Haywood MHK asked for permission to introduce a private member's bill, but politicians instead backed the appointment of a committee to review the proposals.

The measures outlined include banning the sale of products containing tobacco and nicotine to those born from 2008 onwards.

The committee has now issued a consultation on the matter, which will run until 26 March.

The survey also asks for views on plans to expand existing controls to cover newer products such as heated tobacco and tobacco pouches.

Similarly, it touches on plans to expand age and distribution restrictions to nicotine products such as nicotine pouches and skin absorbed sprays, although products used to help people stop smoking would not be included.

The proposals mirror legislation currently being progressed in the UK.

The feedback will be used by the committee to help it report back to the House of Keys on wider policy aspects before the proposed legislation is considered.

Committee chairwoman Haywood said her intention in seeking leave to introduce the bill, her intention had been to ensure the island "remained up to date" with developments elsewhere.

She urged people to take part in the survey and said it was "important that the island also finds a solution that works for our community".

Last week the committee, which also includes MHKs Joney Faragher and Stu Peters, took evidence from Director of Public Health Matt Tyrer.

Dr Tyrer told the panel that had been an increase in people wanting to quit smoking and the biggest driver in that had been legislative changes such as on bans on smoking in public places and restrictions of advertising.

One of the "best things" to make smoking "obsolete" was to implement further legislation, he added.

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