Not too long ago, New Zealand, a nation renowned for its progressive and inventive policies, declared that it was abandoning its groundbreaking legislation that sought to put an end to tobacco use for future generations. Public health experts and anti-tobacco organizations are incensed about the decision, which was made by the new coalition government led by the National Party and New Zealand First. They are shocked that the ban will be lifted in order to pay for tax breaks.
What was the generational smoking ban?
The previous Labour-led government passed the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Bill in December 2022, which included the generational smoking ban. Anybody born on or after January 1, 2009, cannot be sold or supplied with smoked tobacco products, according to the bill. This meant that during their lifetime, anyone who was 14 years old or younger at the time the law was passed would never be able to lawfully purchase cigarettes or other tobacco products.
Other steps to reduce smoking's accessibility and affordability were also included in the bill, including:
lowering the permissible nicotine content of tobacco products to levels that are not addictive
limiting the number of authorized retail locations where smoked tobacco products may be sold
extending the act's authority to regulate the ingredients in smoked tobacco products, like the amount of nicotine
The purpose of the bill was to bring the nation's adult smoking rate down to less than 5% in order to fulfill its goal of being "smoke-free" by 2025. The bill also aimed to reduce the difference in life expectancy between Maori and non-Maori citizens because Maori smokers had a significantly higher smoking rate than the national average.
Why did the new government scrap the ban?
The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990 and its regulations were amended, and as of January 1, 2023, they were repealed by the new government that was elected following the general elections in November 2023. The National Party, the ACT, and New Zealand First signed a coalition agreement on November 24th, stating that the repeal was a component of their strategy to "deliver lower taxes, more jobs, and a stronger economy."
The generational smoking ban, according to the new administration, was a "nanny state prohibition" that would not work and would result in issues like:
putting smokers in the hands of gangs and illicit dealers
destroying small businesses that depend on the sale of tobacco
infringement on the liberties and rights of adult smokers
establishing a criminal market for tobacco goods
Raising the possibility of corruption and violence
The majority of New Zealanders, according to the new government, opposed the ban and there were other, more effective ways to lower smoking rates, such as:
Prohibiting the use of disposable e-cigarettes and stiffening the sanctions for unlawful sales to minors
Increasing financial support for health initiatives and services
Supporting smokers to stop, with a focus on Maori and Pacific communities
What are the implications of the decision?
Many public health experts, advocates, and politicians have expressed disappointment and criticism over the decision to repeal the generational smoking ban. They have called the move a "cave-in to the tobacco industry" and a "blow to public health." They have issued a warning, stating that the choice will have detrimental effects on New Zealanders' health and wellbeing, including:
reversing the gains made in lowering smoking rates and stopping young people from starting to smoke
The health system and society are bearing an increasing burden of tobacco-related illnesses and fatalities.
increasing disparities in health between various populations, particularly those of Maori and Pacific descent
eroding the nation's standing as a global leader in public health and tobacco control
The decision's economic justification has also been questioned by some, who contend that while the majority of taxpayers and society would bear the costs associated with smoking, a small number of wealthy people and corporations would profit from the tax cuts made possible by the ban's repeal.
What are the alternatives to the ban?
The decision to repeal the generational smoking ban has also spurred discussion about the most effective ways to lower smoking rates and make New Zealand smoke-free in the future. Among the options that have been brought up or discussed are:
putting into practice a tobacco endgame strategy that includes establishing a deadline for gradually ceasing to sell tobacco products for commercial use
instituting a system of tobacco licensing that places restrictions on the amount and frequency of purchases made by smokers and requires them to obtain a permit in order to purchase tobacco products
The best way to decrease the demand and consumption of smoking is to raise the price and tax on tobacco products.
encouraging the use of less dangerous nicotine products, like snus and e-cigarettes, which can aid smokers in giving up or switching to less dangerous options
improving the application and observance of current tobacco control regulations, including those pertaining to plain packaging, smoke-free zones, and health warnings
Conclusion
The decision by New Zealand to lift the generational smoking ban has caused controversy and division and sparked many doubts about the nation's commitment to public health and tobacco control. The decision has been defended by the new government on the grounds of personal and economic freedom, but many opponents have refuted this claim and highlighted the dangers and possible negative effects of the move. There will probably be more discussion on how to make New Zealand smoke-free in the future as various interests and viewpoints disagree on the most effective laws and procedures to lessen smoking's negative effects.
