Shock as New Zealand axes world’s first smoking ban
New Zealand is set to scrap the nation’s world-leading smoking ban.
The ban was introduced under the Jacinda Ardern-led government and was designed to ban cigarette sales next year to anyone born after 2008.
The country’s new government will scrap the measure to help fund tax cuts.
Smoking is the main cause of preventable deaths in New Zealand and the move has shocked health experts.
Along with banning sales to young generations, the legislation would have removed tobacco products from 90% of stores currently selling them in New Zealand and also regulated cigarettes to have a lower amount of nicotine in them.