Beginning with those born in 2009 New Zealand bans the purchase of cigarettes and tobacco for life

New Zealand's Parliament on Tuesday approved a set of tough laws banning the purchase of cigarettes and tobacco for anyone born on January 1, 2009, for life. Parliament approved a set of severe penalties for violators.

The New Zealand Parliament passed, on Tuesday, a set of laws that are the "toughest" in the world on preventing smoking, as New Zealand decided to ban future generations from buying tobacco and cigarettes for life.

These laws include a ban on the sale of tobacco to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, with a penalty of up to NZ$150,000 ($95,910). The ban will remain in effect throughout a person's life.

The legislation also reduces the amount of nicotine allowed in cigarettes and reduces the number of retailers that can sell tobacco by 90%.

"This legislation accelerates progress toward a smoke-free future," Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Ayesha Feral said in a statement.

She added: "Thousands of people will live longer and healthier lives, and the health system will become better by saving about five billion dollars as a result of eliminating the need to treat diseases caused by smoking, such as many types of cancer, heart attacks, strokes and amputations."

The number of retailers licensed to sell tobacco will be reduced to 600 by the end of 2023, down from 6,000.

New Zealand unveiled its anti-smoking plan in December 2021.

It is noteworthy that the current percentage of smokers in New Zealand is 13%, the majority of whom are indigenous (Mauru), according to media reports.