New Zealand is all set to repeal the world’s first law, which aimed to ban tobacco sales for future generations. The law was set to be implemented in July, and it included strict anti-tobacco steps such as a ban on sales to people born after January 1, 2009. It also included measures to decrease the nicotine content found in tobacco products and reduce the number of tobacco retailers by 90%. It was considered to be one of the toughest anti-tobacco laws in the world. The decision to abandon this was revealed by the newly elected coalition government in the country, citing that the repeal would be made immediately without waiting for public opinion.
As per reports, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said that the government is highly committed to reducing smoking among individuals. However, they will be trying a different technique to discourage smoking and reduce the harmful effects it has on people. He said,
I will soon be taking a package of measures to the cabinet to increase the tools available to help people quit smoking.
The government has also revealed its plans to introduce new regulations for reducing vaping habits among youngsters.
This move has received a lot of criticism because of the negative impact it has on the health of the citizens of New Zealand. Regions like Maori and Pasifika will face adverse effects because of the large number of smokers among the population.
Critics have said this move is a loss for public health and beneficial for the tobacco industry, which will generate profits at the cost of people’s health. They also cited scholarly research that claimed the anti-tobacco law could have resulted in a decrease in the death rate. According to a few reports, the step would have saved more than 5,000 lives a year.
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