Just about a year ago, it was announced that New Zealand aims to forbid cigarettes for citizens of specific age groups. We now have 100% confirmation that the new legislation has been approved by the parliament of the country, meaning that residents born after the year 2008 are not allowed to buy cigarettes or any tobacco products.
The news is brought by the official website of New Zealand’s Government, and it means that citizens who are at least 14 years old aren’t allowed to smoke any more. New Zealand becomes the first country to impose such legislation, assuring a healthier life for future generations. Approximately 5 million people currently live in the island country from the southwestern Pacific Ocean.
The new rule will come into effect in 2023
New Zealand residents have very little time left to quit smoking and comply with the new law. The rule will come into effect next year.
Dr. Ayesha Verrall, who is the health minister from New Zealand, stated:
This legislation accelerates progress towards a smokefree future,
Thousands of people will live longer, healthier lives and the health system will be $5billion better off from not needing to treat the illnesses caused by smoking, such as numerous types of cancer, heart attacks, strokes, amputations.
Unfortunately, the effects of cigarettes on human health are often neglected, although everybody knows that smoking is bad.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) informs that over 480,000 people die each year only in the US because of smoking cigarettes. Another terrifying statistic coming from the same government agency is that smoking causes the vast majority of all lung cancer deaths – 90%, to be more precise.
The initial goal is for New Zealand to become a “smoke-free” country as soon as 2025, and it’s great to conclude that certain steps are being made in that direction.
