MHKs to consider bid to tighten tobacco sale laws

MHKs have discussed calls for a ban on smoking by young people on the island

Proposals to tighten the restrictions on the sale of tobacco and nicotine products on the Isle of Man are set to be considered by a committee.

Michelle Haywood had asked for permission to introduce a private member's bill in the House of Keys, but MHKs instead backed calls for a review of the measures proposed.

Dr Haywood had argued her proposals, which would prevent anyone born after 2008 from legally smoking, would "protect children" and "save lives".

But Tim Crookall said the bill could have "unintended consequences" and the subject matter would "benefit from detailed scrutiny".

The three-strong panel of MHKs of Dr Haywood, Stu Peters and Joney Faragher will consider proposed changes to the Children and Young Person's Act 1966 and the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2006.

The proposals put forward by Dr Haywood would expand the definition of tobacco goods to include newer products containing nicotine and strengthen the regulations surrounding their advertising and promotion.

A "generational clause" that would "prevent our children from acquiring a nicotine addition" by banning those born after 2008 from buying tobacco products would also be included in the new laws.

The ban mirrors proposals in the UK that are currently on hold due to the general election, which would ban anyone born after 2009 from purchasing the items.

'Black market'

Mr Crookall said while there would "likely be many long-term savings on health care" but there would also "likely be short term financial implications, with wider issues around point of purchase identification, and duties and wider taxation".

His concerns were echoed by Chief Minster Alfred Cannan who said the moves could "inadvertently create a black market" and the island could be seen as "being an outlier" on the issue.

Dr Haywood said the proposed new legislation would address a "number of gaps" in current laws and could be "one of the biggest advancements in public health for a very long time".

The government could lose "around £300,000 in tobacco duty a year" but that in "no way covers dealing with the cost of smoking and nicotine addiction harms", she said.