The Bill as proposed does not turn a generation of young people into criminals. They will still be able to smoke and lawfully once they turn 18 years. The only offence they will be able to commit is the offence that exists today - that is knowingly providing false documentation to prove age.

Nothing changes in that regard.

The change is not one of stopping them smoking, but alternatively one of preventing retailers and other persons selling tobacco products to the Tobacco-Free Generation.

Retailers will also not be able to supply or give the product to the Tobacco-Free Generation, but others will not be prevented from doing so.

It is untrue to say that the proposed Bill will see the Tobacco-Free Generation convicted, made criminals of and jailed for making a decision to light up. Quite frankly that is nonsense and great care has been taken in putting this Bill together to insure (if supported) young people are not criminalised.

The offences, for which they can be charged today, do not change.

If the Bill is to fail, it should do so for factual reasons and not through misrepresentations.

The Bill is now posted online and I would ask the public to please consider it and if there are any concerns or issues, please raise them with me.

Sadly smokers do not choose 'for how long' - it is an addictive dangerous substance that controls the body when taken up - precisely the intention of the big tobacco producers.

— IVAN DEAN APM, MLC, Independent Member for Windermere.