The government of New Zealand proposes a ban on the sale of tobacco products to those born after 2004 as part of its efforts to become smoke-free by 2025. If this ban were to ever come into effect, people under 18 in 2022 will never be able to buy cigarettes.
While the proposal has met with favorable response from public health organizations, it has also met with concerns about the ban pushing consumers to the illicit market as well as the negative impact on employment and business for the convenience store sector.
Aside from this ban, the government is also considering a 95% reduction in the level of nicotine allowed in tobacco products, prohibiting filters, setting a minimum price for tobacco, and restricting the locations where tobacco and cigarettes can be sold.
Right-wing political party ACT’s social development and children spokesperson, Karen Chhour, said in a press release, “New Zealand smokers who can least afford it will spend more on their habit and in turn do harm to those around them if the government mandates lower nicotine.”