Europe, UK (Commonwealth Union) – A recent study conducted by the Addictions Research Group at the University of Sheffield, in collaboration with the University of Nottingham, highlights the significant economic benefits of making England entirely smoke-free. According to their findings, this move could unleash a staggering £10.9 billion and yield substantial advantages for local economies.
The research underscores that if all citizens in the country were to cease smoking, the economic windfall would translate to £1,776 per smoker or £246 per adult, irrespective of their smoking status. Moreover, the study estimates the potential reinvestment of these savings into local economies, envisioning a boost for businesses. Considering that local retailers currently garner profits from tobacco sales, approximately seven percent, the amount returned to individual smokers’ wallets could be considerably higher.
This study emerges amid ongoing governmental deliberations on a smoke-free generation policy in parliament. This proposed policy aims to make it illegal to vend cigarettes or other tobacco products to individuals born on or after January 1, 2009. Essentially, this would mean that individuals aged 15 or below in 2024 would never legally access cigarettes or other tobacco products, even upon reaching adulthood.
The generous dividends from this move highlight the significant economic benefits of moving towards a smoke-free society. Importantly, the research reveals that regions with higher smoking rates and lower income levels would reap the greatest rewards from efforts to quit smoking, presenting a chance to narrow socioeconomic disparities.
By placing a premium on tobacco control initiatives, particularly in marginalized areas, decision-makers can expedite the journey towards a smoke-free era and unlock the considerable economic advantages detailed in the study.
“By reducing smoking rates and freeing up disposable income, policy makers have the opportunity to alleviate smoking-induced deprivation and empower individuals to redirect funds towards essential needs. This reallocation of resources can contribute to economic prosperity and help to reduce geographic inequalities in society,” explained Dr Duncan Gillespie, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Sheffield, School of Medicine and Population Health.
