Toby iVapour
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Shock as New Zealand axes world-first smoking ban
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-67540190
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-67540190
New Zealand's new government says it plans to scrap the nation's world-leading smoking ban to fund tax cuts.
The legislation, introduced under the previous Jacinda Ardern-led government, would have banned cigarette sales next year to anyone born after 2008.
Health experts have strongly criticised the sudden reversal.
"We are appalled and disgusted... this is an incredibly retrograde step on world-leading, absolutely excellent health measures," said Prof Richard Edwards, a tobacco control researcher and public health expert at the University of Otago.
"Most health groups in New Zealand are appalled by what the government's done and are calling on them to backtrack," he told the BBC.
While it has been praised as a public health policy, the Smokefree measures drew opposition from some business groups in New Zealand. Owners of newsagents and corner shops criticised the loss of revenue - even with government subsidies.
Some lawmakers - including the new Prime Minister Chris Luxon - also argued a ban would lead to a black market for tobacco.
I note there is no mention in the article of criticisms like how difficult it would be to get the legislation to work in practice, or the effect it would have on liberty for adults (born after 2008), raising fundamental questions about the age of majority or adult freedoms.The laws still need to be actively repealed through parliament, where the government has a majority.