The Government will ban young people from ever being able to purchase tobacco in their lives under world-leading plans to make New Zealand smokefree.
“People aged 14 when the law comes into effect will never be able to legally purchase tobacco.”.
Legislators will also “think very carefully” about how the laws will be enforced to stop an illicit tobacco market forming.
New Zealand Medical Association chair Dr Alistair Humphrey said the policy would be a “defining moment” for respiratory health.
“It is important that a focus on these efforts should be in neighbourhoods where Māori and Pacific people live.
Experience with the Covid-19 vaccination rollout has reminded us of the importance and impact of community-led events,” he said. »
