A New Zealand law would ban people born after 2008 from ever buying cigarettes - Morning Brew

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A new law announced Thursday in New Zealand would ban anyone born after 2008 from ever purchasing cigarettes in the country. So the kids hanging out behind the gas station will have to what—talk to each other?

The law, which is expected to pass in 2023, would raise the legal smoking age (currently 18) by one additional year every year, beginning in 2027. So: New Zealanders 14 and under in 2023 will always be younger than the legal limit, while current smokers (and those older than 14 in 2023) will always be permitted to buy cigarettes.

New Zealand has been trying to stub out smoking for a minute. In 2011, the country announced a goal of reducing the smoking rate in the country to 5% by 2025, and experts believe Thursday’s announcement may keep them on track.

• Around 9.4% of New Zealanders smoke, down from 18% in 2008.
• The rate among the Indigenous Maori population is significantly higher, at 31%.
• An average pack of cigarettes in NZ costs about $22.50 USD.

An anti-puffing nation: In 2020, New Zealanders narrowly voted against legalizing marijuana.—MK

source: https://www.morningbrew.com/daily/stories/New-Zealand-law-banning-young-people-buying-cigarettes

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