But Legislative Councillors say they are yet to be convinced the concept is the wisest way to stamp out the habit.

Ms O’Connor was among politicians to offer the idea a lukewarm reception when it was mooted by Windemere MLC Ivan Dean late last year.

In a bill to be debated in the upper house next month, Mr Dean has proposed a permanent ban of cigarette sales to anyone born this century.

Ms O’Connor met the man behind the plan, Smoke Free Generation’s Jon Berrick, yesterday.

‘‘I am actually becoming increasingly persuaded by the merit and intent of this bill as one part of bringing down smoking rates among young people,’’ Ms O’Connor said.

‘‘If we’re serious about saving young people from one of the most addictive substances ever developed, I think we need to seriously look at a really innovative approach.’’

The private member’s bill would block anyone not 18 years old by 2018 from ever buying tobacco.

Ms O’Connor said she still believed prohibition did not work.

‘‘This bill does not propose prohibition as such but instead grandfathering out the availability of tobacco,’’ she said.

Health Minister Michael Ferguson has discussed the concept with Professor Berrick in the past, but is still not sold on the idea.

‘‘We are happy to discuss the proposal but we have expressed doubts that is workable,’’ Mr Ferguson said.

A number of MLCs, who will today be briefed on the bill, were also sceptical.

Murchison independent MLC Ruth Forrest said she was a strong advocate of trying to stop people taking up smoking, knowing how hard it was getting people to quit.

‘‘But this legislation just stops people selling tobacco ... it doesn’t actually stop people smoking, buying through someone else or on the black market,’’ Ms Forrest said.

Launceston and Western Tiers independent MLCs Rosemary Armitage and Greg Hall also questioned the practicality of the proposed world-first ban.