New Zealand’s new right-wing government has announced plans to repeal a law, passed by the previous government, that would have gradually banned all cigarette sales in the country over the course of several decades. The law, which took effect this year, would have made it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 2009, gradually raising the smoking age until it covered the entire population. The new government believes the law could have led to a “massive black market” and intends to repeal it to keep receiving tax revenue from tobacco products, potentially helping to pay for other tax cuts. Health advocates and policy experts have criticized this decision, arguing that it is a “backward step” and warning that ultimately lives will be lost and there will be more health care costs down the road due to an increase in smoking. Ayesha Verrall, an infectious disease doctor and Labour Party politician, criticized the plan to repeal the smoking ban, stating that it ultimately means that more lives will be lost and there will be more health care costs down the road. The high price of cigarettes in New Zealand has led to a rise in retail crime, with corner stores that sell tobacco products being targeted by thieves. The decision to repeal the law was influenced by the smaller parties in the coalition government, which were “insistent” on reversing a range of tobacco restrictions. The incoming health minister, Shane Reti, did not respond to a request for comment. Overall, the decision to repeal the law has attracted criticism from experts and health advocates who believe it is a shortsighted move that will have negative long-term consequences on public health and government spending.
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