Lifestyle Desk: New Zealand is set to become a no smoking zone. The island country has passed a new law under which youngsters aged 14 will never be able to legally buy cigarettes again.
According to this landmark law – which is a first of its kind in the world – anyone born in or after 1st January 2009 will not be able to legally purchase cigarettes or smoke again.
Besides, New Zealand is also the first country which has been annually raising the minimum age of smoking to discourage this habit among the young generation.
Its official from the health ministry has stated that this monumental law would enable the people live a healthier and longer life. Moreover, it would also save around $5 billion which is spent on treating smoking related health issues like cancers and heath diseases.
This new law which will come into effect in 2023 aims to make the country smoke free by the year 2025. Viewing this the country will be reducing the tobacco selling stores to 600 from about 6000 to make cigarettes less accessible.
Moreover, this law would also allow cigarettes to be sold only through speciality tobacco stores. Alternatively, it would also reduce the amount of nicotine present in cigarettes.
Smoking is not just destructive to the health habitual smokers, but it is also toxic for people around them. If this law is efficiently implemented than it would be a watershed moment for the community and will discourage the young generation from taking up this addiction and live a healthy life.
Apart from New Zealand, Bhutan had in the past completely banned smoking. Other countries too should follow the suit and make the world smoke free.
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