New Zealand lifts revolutionary smoking ban to boost economy
New Zealand's new government has announced the abandonment of the groundbreaking smoking ban rule in the country.
New Zealand: New Zealand’s new government has announced the abandonment of the groundbreaking smoking ban, which was originally introduced under the previous leadership of Jacinda Ardern. The legislation aimed to prohibit the sale of cigarettes to individuals born after 2008, scheduled to take effect next year, with the primary objective of preventing younger generations from adopting smoking habits.
Health experts have strongly criticized this abrupt reversal, labeling it as a significant step backward in the realm of public health. Professor Richard Edwards, a tobacco control researcher and public health expert at the University of Otago, expressed his dismay, stating, “We are appalled and disgusted… this is an incredibly retrograde step on world-leading, absolutely excellent health measures.”
He emphasized that the government’s decision goes against public opinion and the views of health professionals. The legislation had received international acclaim for its key reforms, including restrictions on tobacco retailers and the reduction of nicotine levels in cigarettes.
New Zealand’s laws had even inspired the UK government, led by Rishi Sunak, to announce a similar smoking ban for young people in September. However, some lawmakers in New Zealand, including the new prime minister Chris Luxon, argued that the ban could lead to a black market for tobacco.
Finance minister Nicola Willis announced the government’s decision to repeal the laws entirely, citing the significant impact on the government’s budget. Willis stated, “We have to remember that the changes to the Smokefree legislation had a significant impact on the government books, with about a billion dollars there.”
Despite this policy shift, New Zealand maintains its goal of reducing the national smoking rate to 5% by 2025.
Ms Kalinga