New Zealand Government confirms phased ban on smoking
The government in New Zealand has confirmed the introduction of a phased ban on smoking.
A new law, which prohibits the sale of tobacco, was passed by parliament on Tuesday 20th December. The ban means that anyone who was born after 2008 will never be permitted to buy cigarettes.
The new legislation will mean that the number of people able to buy cigarettes will decrease every year. The legal smoking age will increase, meaning that a smaller proportion of people will be able to smoke. By 2040, people who are under the age of 40 will not be able to purchase tobacco products.
New Zealand is the first country to introduce a rising smoking age. Taking drastic action to prevent younger people from smoking will save lives and reduce health system spending by $5 billion, according to associate health minister, Ayesha Verrall. Speaking in parliament after the law was passed, she highlighted potential reductions in cases of cancer and falling numbers of patients who experience heart attacks and stroke.
The government is also implementing additional measures to discourage people from smoking, including decreasing the legal nicotine content in cigarettes and limiting the number of outlets that sell tobacco products. Under new guidelines, tobacco products will only be available to purchase from speciality tobacco stores. The number of outlets will fall from 6,000 to 600.
The latest data shows that smoking has become less popular in New Zealand. The proportion of people who smoke daily has fallen from 9.4% in 2021 to 8% in 2022. There has been an increase in the popularity of vaping. The proportion of adults who vape has risen from 6.2% in 2021 to 8.3% in 2022. This trend mimics patterns identified in the UK, where smoking has become less common and vaping has become more widespread.
For more news click here.
Join this Discussion