In the context of the new anti-smoking law that Parliament passed today
Future generations of New Zealanders will be banned from buying tobacco under a package of new anti-smoking laws passed by Parliament today that are among the toughest in the world.
The package of new laws includes the banning the sale of tobacco to any citizen born on or after January 1, 2009;. The ban will remain in effect for a person’s entire life.
The legislation will also reduce the amount of nicotine allowed in tobacco products and limit the number of retailers that can sell tobacco by 90%.
“This legislation accelerates progress toward a smoke-free future,” said Dr. Ayesha Veral, deputy health minister, in a statement.
“Thousands of people will live longer, healthier lives, and the health system will save $5 billion from not having to provide treatment for diseases caused by smoking, such as various types of cancer, heart attacks, strokes, amputations.”
Retailers licensed to sell tobacco will fall by 600 by the end of 2023 from 6,000.
New Zealand, which already has one of the lowest rates of adult smokers among the 38 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, is moving ahead with further tightening of anti-smoking laws as part of the government’s push for a ‘tobacco-free’ country by 2025 .
Only Bhutan, which banned cigarette sales in 2010, will have a stricter anti-smoking law.
The number of New Zealand adults who smoke has halved in the past decade to 8%, with 56,000 quitting in the past year. According to OECD data, 25% of French adults smoked in 2021.
ACT New Zealand, which holds 10 of the 120 seats in Parliament, condemned the legislation, saying it would wipe out small shops and drive people into the black market.
“No one wants to see people smoke, but the reality is that some people will,” said party vice-president Brooke van Velden, adding that the ban would cause problems.
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With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
