Finland’s sports minister proposes lifetime tobacco ban for young generations

Finland’s minister for sport and youth, Mika Poutala, is pushing for a permanent ban on tobacco sales to anyone born after 2009, following the UK’s model, Yle reports. The proposal would prevent those currently aged 17 or younger from ever legally purchasing tobacco products.

Poutala, a member of the Christian Democrats, aims to advance the measure before the current government’s term ends. While the ban is not part of the coalition’s official programme, he plans to seek broad support from ruling parties. “I will raise this swiftly in government, as we should act during this term,” he said, emphasising the need for “significantly stricter tobacco policy” to meet Finland’s legal goal of a smoke-free and nicotine-free society by 2030.

The minister cited research showing most smoking begins before age 20, with few starting after 25. He argued that protecting youth health requires decisive action, noting that while traditional smoking has declined among young people, nicotine pouch use has surged—a trend he called “extremely worrying.” High nicotine concentrations in these products make them particularly problematic, he added.

Poutala also framed the ban as a long-term economic measure, reducing healthcare costs from tobacco-related illnesses. “Money could be better spent than treating tobacco’s health harms,” he said, pointing to rising defence and interest expenses.

Finland remains the only country with a legally binding 2030 target for eliminating tobacco and nicotine use, though Poutala admitted current policies make this goal unrealistic. The government has already raised tobacco taxes and extended levies to nicotine pouches, but he insisted stronger measures are overdue given decades of known harms.