The new government of New Zealand has decided to lift the ban on tobacco and cigarettes, stating that it will provide tax relief to the people.
In December 2022, the New Zealand Parliament passed the Smoke-Free Environment law, which was set to ban tobacco and cigarettes. Under this law, individuals born after 2008 were prohibited from purchasing any smoking products. Now, it has been reported in ‘The Guardian’ that the new government of New Zealand will end this law that imposed a ban on tobacco and cigarettes.
Health experts criticize the move, stating that the country is regressing. The Doctors’ Association and health experts in New Zealand have expressed criticism of the government’s decision. Professor Richard Edwards of Otago University stated that they are stunned and disappointed, considering this move as a step backward for the country.
The New Zealand government aimed to make the country tobacco-free, leading to the creation of this law. Former Health Minister Ayesha Verrall presented this bill in Parliament, referring to it as a step towards a ‘smoke-free future.’ She mentioned that thousands of people will now live longer and healthier lives, free from smoking-related illnesses. The move is expected to result in a savings of 26.4 billion rupees (3.2 billion USD) for New Zealand’s health system.
The law was projected to decrease the number of smokers by 5%, with an annual decline in the number of people purchasing tobacco. New Zealand has one of the lowest smoking rates globally, with only 8% of the population reported as daily smokers. The government anticipated a 5% reduction in the number of smokers with the passing of the Smoke-Free Environment Bill, leading to a decrease in the number of people buying tobacco each year.
In contrast, India implemented a law in 2003 named the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), which regulates the sale and consumption of cigarettes and other tobacco products. This law includes provisions such as a ban on smoking in public places, tobacco product advertisements, and the sale of tobacco products to individuals under 18 years of age. Despite such regulations, approximately 35% of tobacco consumers in India begin using tobacco products before the age of 18, and 70% start by the age of 21. The government is now considering amendments to this law.
