New Zealand's new government recently announced that it will revoke the world's first 'generation' smoking ban imposed by the previous Jacinda Arden government. New Zealand scrapped the smoking ban took place in order to fund tax cuts. In 2022, New Zealand passed a pioneering legislation that introduced a steadily rising smoking age to stop those born after January 2009 from ever being able to legally buy cigarettes. The law was designed to prevent thousands of smoking-related deaths and save the health system billions of dollars. Hence, it was called the 'generation' smoking ban. With New Zealand's smoking ban reversal grabbing the headlines, the question arises which countries have imposed similar kinds of smoking ban? Below are the top 5 countries-
1) United Kingdom (UK)
Following New Zealand's 2022 footsteps, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak proposed a legislation for generational smoking ban. As per the legislation, anyone aged 14 or under will never be able to legally buy cigarettes or any other tobacco product. The idea is to prevent future generations from smoking, as nine in 10 people say they started the habit before the age of 21, according to data from Cancer Research.
2) Mexico
As per the Lancet report, Mexico in January 2023 imposed a total ban on smoking in public places As per reports, .Mexico has some of the strictest anti-smoking laws in the world, including smoking bans at beaches, parks and in some cases private homes. Vapes and e-cigarettes are also subject to tighter new restrictions, particularly indoors. It is pertinent to mention here that Marlboro is the most sold cigarette brand and it hails from Mexico.
3) Uruguay
Smoking in Uruguay is strictly prohibited in public spaces. Smoking in Uruguay became illegal on 1 March 2006. Bars, restaurants, or offices where people were caught smoking began facing fines of more than $1,100 or a three-day closure. Uruguay was the first country in Latin America to ban smoking in enclosed public spaces.
4) Greece
In 2010, Greece banned smoking and the consumption of tobacco products by other means, in all workplaces, transport stations, taxis, and passenger ships (smoking was already prohibited on trains, buses, and airplanes), as well as in all enclosed public places including restaurants, night clubs. However, a report suggests that Greece still has one of the world's highest smoking rates.
5) Ireland
Smoking cigarettes in Ireland is banned fully in the general workplace, enclosed public places, restaurants, bars, education facilities, healthcare facilities, and public transport. However, it is permitted in designated hotel rooms and there is no ban in residential care, prisons, and (some) outdoor areas.