New Zealand has passed legislation to ban cigarettes for future generations.
New Zealand has banned cigarettes for future generations
The world-first law was passed by the country's parliament on Tuesday (13.12.22) and means that anybody born after 2008 will never be able to buy cigarettes or tobacco products.
The number of people able to purchase tobacco will shrink every year as a result. By 2050, for example, 40-year-olds will be too young to buy cigarettes.
Health Minister Dr. Ayesha Verrall introduced the bill and described it as a step "towards a smoke-free future".
Dr. Verrall said: "Thousands of people will live longer, healthier lives and the health system will be NZ$5 billion better off from not needing to treat the illnesses caused by smoking."
Smoking rates in New Zealand are already at historic lows, with just eight per cent of adults puffing away on a daily basis according to government statistics.
Critics of the bill have warned that the policy could lead to a black market in tobacco products and may kill off small businesses.