New Zealand Has Become The First Country In The World To Ban Smoking For All Future Generations

New Zealand has passed a law that makes it illegal for anyone born after Jan. 1, 2009, to ever buy tobacco, including cigarettes.

New Zealand Has Become The First Country In The World To Ban Smoking For All Future Generations

New Zealand has passed a law that makes it illegal for anyone born after Jan. 1, 2009, to ever buy tobacco, including cigarettes.

A close-up view of cigarettes. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

“Thousands of people will live longer, healthier lives and the health system will be $5 billion better off from not needing to treat the illnesses caused by smoking,” Associate Health Minister Ayesha Verrall said after the law passed on Tuesday Dec. 13.

The law aims to make smoking less affordable and accessible.

As of March 14, 2018, legislation in New Zealand prevents tobacco companies from using branding on their cigarette packaging. (Getty Images)

It will also reduce the amount of nicotine in tobacco products and prohibit them from being sold at supermarkets and corner shops, making them only available in specialty tobacco stores.

A woman smokes a cigarette. (Getty Images)

The law is part of the government’s plan to make New Zealand smokefree by 2025.

The new law is part of New Zealand Prime Minster Jacinda Ardern’s government’s plan to make New Zealand smokefree by 2025. (Photo by Dave Rowland/Getty Images)

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