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New Zealand repeals world-first smoking ban passed by Jacinda Ardern (www.independent.co.uk)

submitted 8 months ago by MicroWave@lemmy.world to c/worldnews@lemmy.world

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Reversal of smoking ban criticised as ‘shameful’ for lacking evidence

New Zealand is repealing the world’s first smoking ban passed under former prime minister Jacinda Arden’s government to pave the way for a smoke-free generation amid backlash from researchers and campaigners over its risk to Indigenous people.

The new coalition government led by prime minister Christopher Luxon confirmed the repeal will happen on Tuesday, delivering on one of the actions of his coalition’s ambitious 100-day plan.

The government repeal will be put before parliament as a matter of urgency, enabling it to scrap the law without seeking public comment, in line with previously announced plans.

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[–] Timecircleline@sh.itjust.works 4 points 8 months ago (2 children)

I think I remember reading that smokers, paradoxically, cost less to the social security net systems including healthcare because they die so young. So I guess don't feel so bad? Other than the money and health problems.

For real, I'm sorry that you have this addiction that forces you to take part in an activity it sounds like you don't enjoy (or at least the enjoyment does not even out the downsides for you.)

[–] Timecircleline@sh.itjust.works 5 points 8 months ago

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3533014/

Canada did a separate study in 2017 which includes lost productivity for shorter years of life and that obviously was a huge cost to the system.

[–] Grimy@lemmy.world 2 points 8 months ago

I will quit again but I ultimately wish I had never started, and I'm fairly certain that sentiment is found in practically all smokers.

I understand the importance of having choice, even bad ones. But if 99% seriously regret one of the choice and are affected negatively with no gain by it, why even offer it?

And society can easily shrug off the negative effects but it's just not healthy imo. A solid percentage of our population is a slave to this stuff and it's just bad form.

The 99% might be an exaggeration, I'm clearly not impartial about it.