New Zealand bans sale of tobacco to certain age group

In news– New Zealand Parliament has recently passed a legislation that will increase the legal age to buy tobacco products each year, with the aim of eventually stamping out smoking altogether.

What does the law say?

The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Bill bans the sale of tobacco to anyone born after 2008.
Those found violating the provision will be fined up to NZ$150,000 (Rs 79 lakh approximately).
This bill significantly limits the number of retailers able to sell smoked tobacco products; aims to prevent young people from taking up smoking by prohibiting the sale of smoked tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009; and aims to make smoked tobacco products less appealing and addictive.
It also brings in other restrictions on tobacco products, such as limiting the amount of nicotine allowed in cigarettes and other consumables.
The rate of smoking in New Zealand is already very low, but there are disparities within communities.

Countries with restrictions on Tobacco & Smoking-

Saudi Arabia banned smoking in government spaces and several public places, including supermarkets, coffee shops and restaurants and prohibits selling tobacco to those under the age of 18.
In Canada, smoking is banned in almost all enclosed public and indoor workplaces across the country.
In 2004, Bhutan became the first nation in the world to ban the sale of tobacco and to outlaw smoking in all public places. In June 2010, the country implemented one of the world’s strictest anti-tobacco legislations by forbidding the sale or smuggling of tobacco into Bhutan.
In 2012, Costa Rica passed one of the strictest smoking regulations in the world. Legislation prohibits lighting up in taxis, buses, trainer, public buildings, bars, casinos and workplaces.
In 2009, Colombia extended its anti-smoking regulation to include indoor workplaces and public places.
Uruguay became the first Latin American country to prohibit smoking in public places, including restaurants, bars and the workplace in March 2004.
Malaysia has banned smoking in several public spaces, including hospitals, airports, public toilets, government premises, Internet cafes and government premises.
On 12 July 1999, Kerala became the first state in India to ban smoking in public places when a Division Bench of the Kerala High Court declared that public smoking as illegal first time in the history of whole world, unconstitutional and violative of Article 21 of the Constitution.
Smoking in public places is a punishable offense in India, and a fine of Rs. 200 may be imposed for violating the law.
The Government of India has implemented strict rules against the advertisement of any tobacco product.