NZ law to ban next generations from smoking

New Zealand's government believes it has come up with a unique plan to end tobacco smoking — a lifetime ban for those aged 14 or younger. Under a new law the government announced Thursday and plans to pass next year, the minimum age to buy cigarettes would keep rising year after year. 

Dr. Ayesha Verrall, New Zealand Associate Health Minister said "We want to make sure young people never start smoking, so we are legislating a smoke free generation by making it an offence to sell or supply tobacco products to those aged 14, when the law comes into effect. As they age, they and future generations will never legally be able to purchase tobacco, because the truth is there is no safe age to start smoking."

Smoking rates have steadily fallen in New Zealand for years, with only about 11% of adults now smoking and 9% smoking every day.