New Zealand passes historic “No Tobacco” law

Historical. On Tuesday, November 13, New Zealand’s parliament approved a bill banning the sale of tobacco to the country’s next generation. New Zealand aims to become the first tobacco-free country by 2025. A radical and short-term goal, its implementation begins with managing the legal age for purchase and consumption. Specifically, New Zealanders born after 1^any January 2009 will not be able to buy tobacco from the moment the provision enters into force.

Minister of Health Aisha Ferrell He welcomes passage of the law: “Thousands of people will live longer and healthier, and NZ$5 billion will benefit the health system.” [3 milliards d’euros] By not having to deal with diseases caused by smoking such as many types of cancer, heart attacks, strokes and amputations. She adds that nicotine levels will “drop to non-addictive levels”.

goal “at hand”

The legal age should also be raised every year, in a country where tobacco consumption is already low, at 8% of smokers in the population. These already encouraging numbers have Aisha Ferrall saying New Zealand’s zero tobacco goal is “within reach”. If the law called “Tobacco Free Environments” works by 2025, less than 5% of the population should be smokers.

In addition to smokers, the text is intended for traders. And AFP reports that retailers authorized to sell tobacco are expected to drop from 6,000 to 600 by the end of next year, with the quantity on sale reduced and limited to only specialty shops. exit, Therefore, the shelves of cigarette packs in shops and supermarkets. Smokers who tend to violate the new law are liable to fines of up to the equivalent of 90,000 euros.