New Zealand's new conservative government has abandoned groundbreaking plan to ban smoking in country. Last year, New Zealand became first country in the world to introduce legislation to phase out sale of cigarettes. Then leader Jacinda Ardern introduced measures to phase out smoking by preventing new generations of young adults from purchasing cigarettes. policy was hailed around world as bold move to improve the health of the nation. However, the new Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, has controversially done U-turn and junked Ms Ardern's plans. He said ban was unaffordable and that the country needed tax revenues from tobacco sales.
radical smoking ban was landmark decision that prompted other countries to reconsider their public health policies. British government followed suit by announcing laws that will make it illegal for youngsters to buy cigarettes over coming years. A spokesperson said UK wants "to deliver smoke-free generations". Canada has recently become first country to require health warnings be put on individual cigarettes. Anti-tobacco groups are up in arms over Mr Luxon's about-turn. One group said: "Turning the tide on harmful products that are entrenched in society cannot be done by individuals or even communities. It takes good and brave population-level policies."
