Will new law reduce teenage smoking?

In Britain, it is now illegal for anyone to sell fags or any other tobacco product to anybody under the age of 18.

But will the change in age make any difference? About 1 in 4 of 16-19 year-old smoke. Down from 1 in 3 in the 1980s.

Boys are slightly less likely to reach for the wicked weed than girls. By the age of 15, 16% of boys and 25% of girls smoke. Among 16-19 year olds, 23% of men and 26% of women are smokers.

When the age limit was 16 — as it has been since 1908 - most children and young people reported few problems buying ciggies. An NHS survey from 2006 revealed that only 23% of those under 16 who tried to buy tobacco found it difficult. Indeed, during 2005 only 56 retailers in England and Wales were fined for selling cigarettes to children (out of 89 retailers who were charged).

The government estimates that raising the purchase age to 18 will see a fall in cigarette smoking of around 14% among 11-16 year olds.

This should result in cost savings to the NHS of up to £6 million.

It is particularly important not too smoke when you are young because the evidence is that the younger you are when you start to smoke, the less likely you are to give up

Smoking is also more dangerous when you're young. The younger you start, the greater the risk of serious diseases later, particularly lung cancer.

Someone who starts smoking at 15 is three times as likely to die from cancer due to smoking than someone who starts smoking in their mid-20s.

The change of age will bring tobacco sales into line with alcohol sales which should simplify things for retailers trying to check ages. All tobacco retailers will also be required to display a notice stating that it is illegal to sell tobacco to anyone under the age of 18. Failure to comply with the law could result in a fine of up to £2500.

But the success of the law will depend on how well Trading Standards Officers are able to enforce it.

• The government is launching an awareness raising campaign at www.tobaccoagechange.co.uk to inform the public and retailers of the new law.  
• Click here for Malehealth's FAQ on smoking