New Zealand passes world's first law to ban smoking for future generation
New Zealand became the world's first country to ban smoking for future generations. The bill was passed in parliament on Tuesday.
By ET Spotlight Special |
Agencies
The future generation of New Zealanders will not be able to get their hands on cigarettes as a part of a package of new anti-smoking laws which was passed by the parliament on Tuesday. The new law states that anyone who is born after 2008 will not be able to buy a packet of cigarettes or tobacco products.
The bill was introduced by New Zealand Health Minister Ayesha Verrall. While introducing the bill, the Health Minister said that it was a step "towards a smoke-free future".
"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," Dr. Verrall added.
As a result of this law, each year fewer people will be able to purchase tobacco. For instance, 40-year-olds won't be allowed to purchase cigarettes in 2050.
The smoking rate in New Zealand is extremely low, as only 8 per cent of adults are smoking on a daily basis, as per the government statistic released in November. By 2025, it is intended that the Smokefree Environments Bill would bring the number down to fewer than 5 per cent, with the ultimate goal of eliminating the practice altogether.
The bill is designed in such a way that it aims to bring down the number of retailers able to sell smoked tobacco products to 600 nationwide - down from 6,000. It also focuses on reducing the level of nicotine in products to make them less addictive.
"It means nicotine will be reduced to non-addictive levels, and communities will be free from the proliferation and clustering of retailers who target and sell tobacco products in certain areas," Dr. Verrall said.
She continued by saying that the law might reduce the difference in life expectancy between Maori and non-Maori citizens. Maori citizens as a whole smoke 19.9 per cent less than they did a year ago when it was 22.3 per cent.
The bill was introduced by New Zealand Health Minister Ayesha Verrall. While introducing the bill, the Health Minister said that it was a step "towards a smoke-free future".
"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," Dr. Verrall added.
As a result of this law, each year fewer people will be able to purchase tobacco. For instance, 40-year-olds won't be allowed to purchase cigarettes in 2050.
The smoking rate in New Zealand is extremely low, as only 8 per cent of adults are smoking on a daily basis, as per the government statistic released in November. By 2025, it is intended that the Smokefree Environments Bill would bring the number down to fewer than 5 per cent, with the ultimate goal of eliminating the practice altogether.
The conservation department of New Zealand said Tuesday that the number of kakapo, an endangered flightless parrot, has grown by 25% in the last year, to 252 birds. This is largely attributable to a good breeding season and the success of artificial insemination.
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The bill is designed in such a way that it aims to bring down the number of retailers able to sell smoked tobacco products to 600 nationwide - down from 6,000. It also focuses on reducing the level of nicotine in products to make them less addictive.
"It means nicotine will be reduced to non-addictive levels, and communities will be free from the proliferation and clustering of retailers who target and sell tobacco products in certain areas," Dr. Verrall said.
She continued by saying that the law might reduce the difference in life expectancy between Maori and non-Maori citizens. Maori citizens as a whole smoke 19.9 per cent less than they did a year ago when it was 22.3 per cent.
FAQs:
- What did health minister Ayesha Verrall say about the new law?
Ayesha Verrall said this law is a step "towards a smoke-free future". - What is the smoking rate in New Zealand currently?
The smoking rate in New Zealand currently stands at 8 per cent.
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