Taiwan legislator proposes permanent tobacco ban for those born after 2009

Kuomintang legislator Liao Hsien-hsiang has proposed amendments to Taiwan’s Tobacco Control Act that would prohibit the supply of tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009. Under this proposal, individuals born after this date would be permanently barred from legally purchasing tobacco, even upon reaching adulthood. Violators of this regulation could face fines ranging from NT$10,000 to NT$250,000.

The draft has proceeded to a second reading in the Legislative Yuan, drawing significant debate. Critics, including legislators from the Democratic Progressive Party and the Taiwan People's Party, have raised concerns regarding the potential for an increase in illicit tobacco trade and the feasibility of enforcement. Legal experts have also questioned the constitutionality of the proposal, noting that the distinction between those born on December 31, 2008, and January 1, 2009, lacks substantive justification and may violate principles of equality and freedom of conduct.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Health Promotion Administration stated it is carefully studying the proposal, noting that international approaches to ‘smoke-free generation’ policies vary and their long-term effectiveness remains to be seen. The ministry emphasized the need for social consensus and thorough evaluation of public health needs and implementation feasibility.