Acute step: New Zealand will ban the sale of tobacco products to natives from 2008 onwards, in order to significantly reduce the phenomenon, the country’s Ministry of Health announced this morning (Thursday), when it launched an extensive campaign against smoking, with the aim of reducing access to these products.
This means that natives of the yearbook in question will not be able to purchase cigarettes and other tobacco products in their lifetime, under a law that is expected to be passed next year. “We want to make sure young people are not tempted to start smoking,” said Health Minister Dr. Aisha Versel. Other doctors and health experts welcomed the reform.
“The move may encourage citizens to quit smoking, or at least replace this addiction with less dangerous substances. The less the younger generation is exposed to nicotine, the less addictive the substance will be.” As part of the campaign, the government has also announced extensive oversight of tobacco products as well as their points of sale. The number of stores allowed to sell cigarettes and tobacco products will be significantly reduced, below 500 out of 8,000 now.
The New Zealand government is determined to persevere in the fight and be the one to lead it in the world, with the goal it has set: reducing its national smoking rate to 5% by 2025. Currently, about 13% of the country’s adult population smokes, down 18% from a decade ago.
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