The UK government is to look at cutting the maximum level of nicotine in cigarettes, placing tougher restrictions on the location of vending machines and raising the age at which cigarettes can legally be bought in the country from 16 to 18 years as part of a governmental drive against smoking

The measures come on top of the government’s announced determination to ban tobacco advertising, phase out sports and arts sponsorship as well as decrease tobacco consumption in the country through continued increases in taxation. Ministers will reportedly also encourage the debate on passive smoking and smoking in public places.