New Zealand bans smoking for future generations

New Zealand wants to outlaw smoking for future generations. Parliament in the capital Wellington passed a legislative package on Tuesday. Thereafter, tobacco shall not be sold to persons born after January 1, 2009.

The new laws are expected to come into effect next year. New Zealand’s government, led by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, wants to make the country “smoke-free” by 2025.

The number of licensed tobacco outlets will also be reduced from 6,000 to 600 by the end of 2023. In addition, nicotine content in tobacco products should be reduced.

These measures are among the strictest in the world: violations can result in fines of up to 150,000 dollars (equivalent to around 91,000 euros).

“There is no good reason to allow a product to be sold that kills half the people who use it,” Deputy Health Secretary Aisha Verrall told parliament. New Zealand’s health system will save billions by eliminating the need to treat diseases such as cancer, heart attacks and strokes, which can also be caused by smoking.

Eight percent of New Zealanders smoke every day, according to the Bureau of Statistics. In 2021, 9.4 percent of the population will still smoke. (dpa)

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