After a long struggle with retailers, the New Zealand cabinet has approved anti-tobacco measures including a ban on the display of tobacco in shops. The measure will go to Parliament in a bill and, if passed, will be implemented next year.
Previously New Zealand had declined to implement a display ban citing lack of evidence and expense. It is unclear what has changed. The drive appears to come from the Maori affairs select committee and the associate health minister Tarania Turia, who is confident that New Zealand can become smoke free by 2025.
The only UK report on New Zealand's plans to eradicate smoking is in the Telegraph: readers don't seem very impressed, judging by comments left. The plans are criticised by both tobacco companies (BAT NZ) and retailers as they are likely to fuel the already thriving illicit market.
No comments:
Post a Comment