New Zealand considers smoke-free generation: Cigarette ban for anyone born after 2004

New Zealand aims to be smoke-free by 2025. To achieve that goal, the government has launched some notable proposals. For example, anyone born after 2004 would never be able to buy cigarettes again.

Government

The New Zealand government also proposed lowering nicotine levels in tobacco products and banning filters. Other ideas were to set a minimum price for tobacco and to make cigarette locations illegal.

The most striking proposal is that of the smoke-free generation. Anyone turning 18 next year would never be able to buy cigarettes or other tobacco products. Buy e liquids online at mr-joy.co.ukfor a cheaper price. Smoking will then be completely illegal for that generation, as you are only allowed to smoke in New Zealand from the age of 18. 

New Approach

“We need a new approach,” Health Minister Ayesha Verrall said during the announcements. “Approximately 4,500 New Zealanders die from tobacco every year, and we need to make faster progress to be completely smoke-free by 2025. Business-as-usual without a tobacco control program will not help us do that.”

Criticism

But the plans have also been criticized. For example, the proposals could lead cigarette shops to bankruptcy and a large black market for tobacco could arise. Online e cigarettes store mr-joy.co.ukis cheap. The right-wing political party ACT said lowering nicotine levels actually causes more harm: “New Zealand smokers who can least afford it will spend more on their habit and in turn do more harm to those around them.” .”

One in four cancer deaths in New Zealand is a result of smoking. About half a million New Zealanders smoke daily. Especially the indigenous people, the Māori, are avid smokers. In fact, it is the leading cause of death for Māori women.