New Zealand is reportedly considering a ban on the sale of tobacco to those born after 2004, per the Independent.
Part of the new proposals put forward by lawmakers includes the gradual increase of the legal age at which people can purchase tobacco. The ultimate aim of said proposals is that New Zealand will become smoke-free by 2025.
In a consultation document, the government said, according to the paper: "A smoke-free generation policy would prohibit the sale, and the supply in a public place, of smoked tobacco products to new cohorts from a specified date.
"For example, if legislation commenced on 1 January 2022, then people younger than 18 years at that time or those born after 1 January 2004 would never be able to lawfully be sold smoked tobacco products."
Associate health minister Dr. Ayesha Verrall added that a "new approach" to the issue of smoking was vital and felt that "business as usual ... won't get us there".
Ministers are also suggesting a ban on filters, a reduction in the amount of nicotine in tobacco-based items, as well as a reduction in the number of establishments where they can be purchased.
They are also debating the idea of setting a minimum price for tobacco products.
New Zealand's Cancer Society praised the suggestions to limit the sale of the harmful product.
"This proposal goes beyond assisting people to quit. The government is demonstrating a commitment to preventing young people from starting to smoke and bring smoking rates down," its chief executive, Lucy Elwood, said, per the Independent.
"These glaring inequities are why we need to protect future generations from the harms of tobacco," Elwood added. "Tobacco is the most harmful consumer product in history and needs to be phased out."
New Zealand's ACT party, on the other hand, took issue with the proposals, saying they would unfairly affect those from poorer communities.
"New Zealand smokers who can least afford it will spend more on their habit and in turn do harm to those around them if the government mandates lower nicotine," the ACT's social development and children spokesperson, Karen Chhour, said in a statement, per the outlet.
