Taiwan eyes smoking ban for people born after 2009

台灣考慮對2009年後出生的人實施禁煙令

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan is considering whether to adopt a generational smoking ban after the UK passed a law prohibiting anyone born after 2009 from ever purchasing cigarettes.

The UK Parliament approved the landmark legislation on Tuesday, per the BBC. Under the new law, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 2009, will be permanently barred from buying tobacco products, with the measure set to take effect after formal approval by King Charles III.

Ahead of a meeting of the Legislative Yuan's Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee on Thursday, Health Minister Shih Chung-liang (石崇良) was asked whether Taiwan would adopt a similar policy, per CNA. He said tobacco products are widely recognized as carcinogens, and even minimal smoking carries cancer risks.

He noted that in recent years, some other countries have adopted generational smoking bans. In addition to the UK, New Zealand had also imposed a smoking ban for people born after 2009, though it was repealed in 2024, according to The Guardian.

Shih said that Taiwan has made significant progress in tobacco control, with adult smoking rates falling sharply. Measures such as expanded smoke-free areas have also yielded strong results.

The minister said introducing a generational ban would require public discussion and consensus. He said the matter will be further studied by the Health Promotion Administration.