The Parliament of New Zealand passed a law that, once it enters into force, will prohibit smoking to all citizens who were born after January 1, 2009with a view to the country being smoke-free by the year 2025.
The measure is part of a package of reforms that will also reduce the amount of nicotine in tobacco products and limit outletsfrom the current 6,000 to a maximum of 600 from the end of next year, as explained by the Government.
The smoking ban for those born after 2009 will be for life, with fines of up to NZ$150,000 (about 92,000 euros) in case of default.
The authorities estimate that 8% of adult New Zealanders use tobacco on a daily basis, a figure that is below the 9.4% registered just a year and a half ago and half that of a decade ago. However, in the case of the Maori population, the proportion of smokers shoots up to 20%.
Towards a smoke free future
Health Minister Ayesha Verrall, who introduced the bill, said it was a step “towards a smoke-free future.”
“Thousands of people will live longer, healthier lives and the health system will save NZ$5 billion (US$3.2 billion) by not having to treat diseases caused by smoking,” Verrall said.
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