Country studies ban on sale of cigarettes to people born after 2004

In order to raise awareness of the diseases that tobacco can cause and to reduce its consumption, New Zealand seeks to ban the sale of cigarettes to people born after 2004. In addition, to be “Smoke-Free Nation” By 2025, the New Zealand government intends to restrict outlets.

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“We need a new approach. About 4,500 New Zealanders die each year from tobacco, and we must accelerate progress to achieve this 2025 smoke-free goal. Doing the same without a tobacco control program will not get us there, ”said the deputy minister Health, Ayesha Verrall.

New Zealand health authorities have urged their citizens to make suggestions on the action plan. New Zealanders will have until May 31 to share their proposals before the initiative moves into the next phase. become law.

For its part, Shane Kawenata Bradbrook, an advocate for smoke-free Maori communities, said the plan “will start the end of tobacco products in this country.”

For their part, various experts have warned that limiting the sale of tobacco would lead to bankruptcy to store owners and that the restrictions could an unregulated black market.

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The New Zealand Cancer Society said they would help reduce inequalities. They also added that at least six stores on average sell tobacco within a 10-minute walk of New Zealand high schools. “There were four times as many tobacco retailers in low-income communities where smoking rates are the highest,” they added.

Meanwhile, the taxpayers’ union expressed concern that there could be an increase in demand for illicit cigarettes, which would generate additional work for police and customs.