New Zealand already prohibits the sale of tobacco products to those under 18, but the new amendments to the law effectively set a moving age limit that will permanently outlaw tobacco sales to the country’s youngest and future generations. Those born before 2009, who are 18 or older, will still be permitted to purchase tobacco.Sign up to receive daily headline news from Ottawa Citizen, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.
“Thousands of people will live longer, healthier lives and the health system will be $5 billion better off from not needing to treat the illnesses caused by smoking, such as numerous types of cancer, heart attacks, strokes, amputations,” Verrall said in a press release. New Zealand’s bill passed through its parliament 76-43 with support from left-leaning parties, including the leading Labour Party. Members of the right-leaning New Zealand National and ACT New Zealand voted against the ban.
Smoking rates have steadily declined in New Zealand since then, according to a report issued by the Health Ministry. Eight percent of adults in the country smoke daily, according to New Zealand’s latest health survey, though smoking rates among the Māori population remain higher, at 19.9 percent.
New Zealand always seem to have their shit together the best