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New Zealand’s ambition is to gradually ban cigarettes from its territory, and has already put in place several provisions. This decision has reached the ears of the French, who are wondering about the chances of seeing this ban arrive in France.
In New Zealand, the state plans to gradually ban the sale of packets of cigarettes. This progressive restriction will apply first to the youngest, with a strategy which will consist of raising the legal age for obtaining a package each year. For example, in 2027 you will have to be 19 years old to buy cigarettes, in 2028, 20 years old, etc. This restriction will be accompanied by a reduction in points of sale. The composition of the cigarette will also be changed, and will contain less nicotine.
New Zealand is the first Western country to take such drastic measures to curb tobacco consumption. Can France consider taking the same path? “Quitting smoking must be a theme of the presidential election”, says the president of an anti-tobacco association. For smokers, the idea is much more controversial: “I am against it because it affects individual rights” ; “it would help import contraband”, testify two smoky passers-by. While it had fallen over the past four years, the number of smokers has increased again in France.