Smoking Ban New Zealand

New Zealand Scraps Groundbreaking Tobacco Ban

Reversing Course on World-Leading Legislation

Changes to Take Effect in 2023

In a surprising move, New Zealand has abandoned its groundbreaking law to ban tobacco sales to anyone born after 2008. The legislation, which was passed in 2022, was intended to create a "smoke-free generation" by gradually raising the smoking age and reducing nicotine levels in cigarettes.

However, the new government, which was elected in November 2023, has argued that the ban was too restrictive and would have unintended consequences. Critics of the law claimed that it would create a black market for tobacco and damage the country's economy.

The new legislation, which is expected to take effect in 2024, will repeal the ban on tobacco sales to people born after 2008. It will also eliminate the requirement to reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes.

The decision to scrap the tobacco ban has been met with mixed reactions. Some public health advocates have expressed disappointment, arguing that the law would have had a significant impact on reducing smoking rates. Others have welcomed the change, saying that it gives individuals more freedom of choice.

The long-term effects of New Zealand's decision to scrap its tobacco ban remain to be seen. However, the move is a significant departure from the country's previous commitment to reducing smoking rates.