New Zealand’s new bill bans cigarettes for future generations
New Zealand are planning to phase in a near-total tobacco ban from next year.
The new legislation means anyone born after 2008 will never be able to buy cigarettes or tobacco products. By 2050 for example, 40-year-olds will be too young to buy cigarettes.
Health Minister Ayesha Verrall, who introduced the bill, said it was a step “towards a smoke-free future.”
“Thousands of people will live longer, healthier lives and the health system will be NZ$5 billion (US$3.2 billion) better off from not needing to treat the illnesses caused by smoking,” Dr Verrall said.
Smoking rates already at historic lows
New Zealand’s smoking rate is already at historic lows, just 8% of adults smoking daily according to government statistics – down from 9.4% last year.
The plan is for the Smokefree Environments Bill will reduce the figure even further – 5% by 2025 and eventually eliminate smoking altogether.
The bill is also designed to limit the number of retailers able to sell smoked tobacco products to 600 nationwide – down from 6,000 currently – and reduce nicotine levels in products to make them less addictive.
“It means nicotine will be reduced to non-addictive levels and communities will be free from the proliferation and clustering of retailers who target and sell tobacco products in certain areas,” Dr Verrall said.
‘Bill could fuel black-market products’
The new bill could close the life expectancy between Maori and non-Maori citizens. The smoking rate for Maori citizens is already down on last year’s figures – 19.9% this year, down from 22.3%.
The new bill does not ban vape products which are very popular among younger generations.
But critics of the bill say the policy could fuel a black market in tobacco products and kill off small shops.
“No one wants to see people smoke, but the reality is, some will and Labour’s nanny state prohibition is going to cause problems,” said ACT Deputy Leader Brooke van Velden.
