SNP ministers signalled on 22 November that they would follow the UK government and raise the minimum age for the sale of tobacco products. The Scottish Government suggested the legislation could be announced as early as the New Year, meaning the minimum age will rise from 18 to 19 in 2027 – and by one year every year thereafter, reports The Scottish Sun.

Holyrood ministers’ new tobacco strategy, published on 22 November, says:
“It is much easier to never start smoking than it is to give up an addiction.
“It is important as part of our 2034 ambition that we create the conditions to stop children from ever starting.
“This is why, with the UK Government and the Devolved Governments and Administrations we are consulting on raising the age of sale of tobacco.
“Prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 (and also from purchasing tobacco products, in Scotland) will affect children who are turning 14 or younger in 2023.
“Setting this date will mean the change in the law would come into effect in 3 to 4 years’ time from January 2027, when this group of children turns 18.”

Rishi Sunak announced similar legislation at the Tory conference in October, but it would only apply south of the border. The Prime Minister’s plans mean that children who turn 14 in 2023 – or younger – will never be able to legally buy cigarettes or tobacco.
The Scottish Government initially declined to say whether it would follow suit, as smoking issues fall into devolved powers.
However, in its strategy it referred to the UK-wide consultation and said: “Our next steps will be to review the responses to the consultation when it closes at the start of December 2023 to determine whether legislation should be brought forward on increasing the age of sale.”