New Zealand: In a regulation anticipated to be adopted next year, everyone born after 2008 will be unable to purchase cigarettes or tobacco products during their lifetime.
“We want to make sure that young people never start smoking,” stated Dr Ayesha Verall, the Minister of Health.
Tobacco control measures were also implemented by the government, including a considerable restriction on where cigarettes could be sold in supermarkets and small stores.
New Zealand’s health ministry announced the move on Thursday as part of a broad anti-smoking campaign.
According to officials, the number of outlets authorised to sell cigarettes will be decreased from over 8,000 to under 500.
One in four cancers due to smoking: New Zealand Health Ministry
According to New Zealand’s health ministry, “smoking causes one in four cancers and remains the leading cause of preventable death for its five million strong population. The industry has been the target of legislators for more than a decade now.”
Vaping can be a serious concern: New Zealand Health Ministry
Vaping, or smoking e-cigarettes that emit a vapour that also contains nicotine, has grown in popularity among younger generations in recent years. Vaping, however, is not without risk, according to New Zealand health officials. E-cigarette liquids have also been shown to contain dangerous, cancer-causing chemicals.
Health Experts applauds the move
Doctors and other health experts in the country have applauded the “world-leading” regulations that will curb tobacco access and limit cigarette nicotine levels.
Prof Janet Hook of the University of Otago said, “It will help people stop or switch to less dangerous products, and it will make it much less likely for young people to become addicted to nicotine.”
