The Legislation introduced in the New Zealand parliament as reported during August 2022 by Allsportspk, has been passed. The main feature of the this new law being that any cigarettes or tobacco products will not be able to be purchased by anyone born after 2008.
According to the Health Minister, Ms. Ayesha Verrall, who presented the Smokefree Environments Bill, stated that this is a step “towards a smoke-free future”. She elaborated that “Thousands of people will live longer, healthier lives and the health system will be NZ$5 billion (US$3.2 billion) better off from not needing to treat the illnesses caused by smoking.”
The parliament members who are critical of the bill, are concerned that the black market of tobacco products will gain ground.
Further, it is anticipated that the number of people in New Zealand who buy tobacco will annually reduced. Already, the published in November figures of the government the smoking level in New Zealand’s is historically low, with only 8% of adults smoking daily i.e. from 9.4% in 2021.
The to legislation is formatted in a manner that it will limit the retailers, which sell tobacco products from present 6,000 to ultimately 600. And to also reduce the nicotine levels, so that the products become less addictive.
The new legislation does not ban vape products, which are more popular among younger generations than cigarettes.
Vape Products?
A mouthpiece that the person uses to inhale which can be in form of – a cartridge, pod, etc. which holds a liquid solution containing nicotine, flavours, and other chemicals. Also can include – an atomizer device and/or a battery powered source.
