As part of Monaco’s No Tobacco Month, the Principality is examining the contentious issue of the age at which young people can legally buy tobacco…

Currently, a significant legislative change is being considered that may align Monaco’s laws with progressive global tobacco control policies. The debate in Monaco intensified when a bill was presented to the National Council on October 16, 2024, proposing to raise the minimum legal age for purchasing tobacco to 18. If passed, this measure could come into force by spring 2025. Advocates believe the move is essential for public health, particularly in protecting youth from the long-term harms of tobacco use.

The government’s proposed legislation echoes similar strategies around the world. Many countries have taken bold steps to curb tobacco consumption, recognizing its severe health implications, particularly among younger populations. Public health specialists argue that limiting youth access to tobacco significantly reduces the risk of developing nicotine dependence, a point underscored by a 2023 Japanese study presented at the European Society of Cardiology congress. This research indicated that individuals who began smoking before the age of 20 found it notably more challenging to quit compared to those who started later.

Internationally, some nations have already implemented or proposed stricter measures to reduce smoking rates among the young. In the United Kingdom, the previous government introduced the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, intending to ban the sale of tobacco to anyone born after January 1, 2009. Though the bill did not pass before the UK election, it has garnered renewed interest under the current administration, which continues to explore further tobacco control measures, such as restricting smoking around schools and hospitals. However, bans on outdoor smoking in venues such as pubs, bars, and restaurants have been excluded due to pushback from the hospitality industry.

New Zealand had introduced one of the most ambitious tobacco policies, prohibiting anyone born after 2008 from ever purchasing tobacco products. This groundbreaking law aimed to create a generation free from smoking but was repealed in 2023 following a change in government, citing financial benefits for tax relief as the reason for reversal.

Mexico and Australia have also established stringent anti-smoking laws. Mexico’s comprehensive bans cover all public spaces, including beaches and parks, positioning it as one of the strictest anti-smoking countries. Queensland, Australia, has implemented smoke-free areas at outdoor dining establishments and youth events, creating environments that discourage smoking among young people.

While raising the legal age for purchasing tobacco to 18 in Monaco is a step forward, some experts advocate for even higher age limits to ensure better outcomes. Research from the US Surgeon General highlights that nicotine exposure during adolescence impairs brain development, leading to a higher risk of addiction, mood disorders, and cognitive deficits. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and impulse control, does not fully mature until about age 25. This makes young adults more susceptible to risk-taking behavior, including smoking.

Statistics from various jurisdictions indicate that raising the legal age has a profound impact on reducing smoking rates. For example, in Needham, Massachusetts, where the minimum age was increased to 21, high school smoking prevalence dropped by 47%. In the US, “Tobacco 21” laws have been adopted in states such as Hawaii and California, with widespread public support. A 2015 report by the US Institute of Medicine concluded that raising the minimum legal age to 21 would reduce smoking initiation among 15- to 17-year-olds by 25%, prevent thousands of cases of lung cancer, and save hundreds of thousands of lives.

The tobacco industry, driven by profit, relies on attracting young “replacement smokers” as older users quit or succumb to tobacco-related illnesses. A chilling statement from industry documents notes, “If a man has never smoked by age 18, the odds are three-to-one he never will. By age 24, the odds are twenty-to-one.”

Monaco’s initiative, which aims to align with international best practices and protect the health of its youth, is seen as a positive step by many. The World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control requires participating nations to prohibit tobacco sales to minors, and most countries have set the legal age at 18 or 19. However, some nations, including several US states, Japan, and others, have raised the bar to 20 or 21.

Critics argue that more needs to be done. Raising the age to 21 or 25 could have a more significant impact, potentially reducing smoking rates, preventing early nicotine addiction, and improving long-term health outcomes. Despite potential political challenges, experts maintain that protecting young people from tobacco exposure is crucial for public health.

As Monaco debates the proposed changes, it stands at a crossroads. The decision could position the Principality as a leader in tobacco control, demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding the health of future generations. For now, eyes are on the National Council as it considers this pivotal measure, set against the backdrop of global efforts to reduce tobacco use and promote healthier societies.

Photo by Reza Mehrad