New Zealand to ban e-cigarette ads and sales to minors

In February, the New Zealand government announced it would introduce legislation to ban all advertising for e-cigarettes and the sale of these products to people under the age of 18. The New Zealand bill, published on the website[1] The Ministry of Health's bill also seeks to ban e-cigarettes and other smoked and smokeless tobacco products in public places where smoking is already banned and to restrict the number of businesses that can sell them. Finally, the government will have the power to recall or suspend the sale of vaping products. New Zealand has adopted an amendment to the Smoke-Free Environments Act 1990 of December 3, 2003 (entered into force in 2004)[2], which covers all indoor workplaces and public reception areas (businesses, pubs, bars, nightclubs, restaurants and casinos). Studies have shown very high levels of compliance with the law. We are making sure to protect our children while ensuring that smokers who want to use vaping as a tool to quit smoking still have access to these products. "We are all very happy with the fact that we are smoking," said Associate Minister of Health Jeny Salesa. Health surveys show that the number of people smoking in New Zealand continues to decline, with fewer than 31% of young people aged 15 to 17 smoking daily.[3], a figure that proves that a tobacco-free generation is possible and that it is now essential to impose stricter legislation on other products containing nicotine. However, on the adult side, the figure is still considered too high with almost one in eight adults, or almost half a million, regular smokers. Unlike UNITED STATES, which banned some popular e-cigarette flavours to curb the growing use of vaping products among teenagers, the New Zealand government has not banned all flavours, but the bill will drastically limit their number to three flavours: tobacco, mint and menthol. "Flavours may be used to entice children and young people to vape or use certain tobacco products," the government said.©Tobacco Free Generation

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[1] https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/preventative-health-wellness/tobacco-control/vaping-and-smokeless-tobacco[2] No smoking law impact' on bar takings". The New Zealand Herald. NZPA. December 8, 2005.[3] https://www.smokefree.org.nz/smoking-its-effects/facts-figuresPhoto source: October 3, 2019. REUTERS/Brian Snyder ©National Committee Against Smoking |