SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024
Team Herald
The New Zealand government announced plans on Wednesday to prohibit the sale of disposable e-cigarettes, impose higher fines on retailers selling to minors, and enhance regulatory oversight of vaping products.
The decision comes amid growing criticism directed at the government for repealing a pioneering law that aimed to prohibit tobacco sales to future generations. Despite facing backlash, authorities emphasize their commitment to reducing smoking rates, albeit through alternative strategies, which include tighter regulations on vaping.
"While vaping has contributed to a notable decline in smoking rates, the alarming increase in youth vaping has raised legitimate concerns among parents, educators, and health professionals," remarked Casey Costello, associate minister of health.
Under the new regulations, penalties for retailers caught selling e-cigarettes to individuals under 18 will be heightened, and a comprehensive review of vaping retailer licensing will be conducted. Additionally, the sale of disposable vape products will be outright banned.
"The coalition Government remains steadfast in its efforts to combat youth vaping and to further diminish smoking prevalence, with the ultimate goal of achieving a Smokefree status, where less than 5% of the population smokes daily, by 2025," asserted Costello.
