New Zealand set to scrap world-first tobacco ban

gov should be sued given all the medical evidence

Just tax the heck out of the cancer sticks and people will get it, it will be a beautiful day when Japan starts charging ¥2.000 a pack, this tax hike will cover the addicts' medical expenses, precious medical care they usually steal from healthy, normal people.

Turned out people don't like to be parented by the government. Another case of good intentions backfiring terribly. One day we will learn.

Turned out people don't like to be parented by the government.

This exactly. No matter how we feel about smoking, having a nanny state dictate to us our freedom to choose would and will be disastrous.

Next up would be alcohol, meat, or any other product the authoritarians deem a "vice" or "harmful".

Slippery slope.

never under-estimate tobacco company's lobbyists. 

I would if I knew they even existed. Smoking in 1st world countries has plummeted, there is no advertising, and its all but extinct in movies and television.

As stupid as it is to smoke, it must be something that is left up to individuals. Alcohol, fast food, candy and sitting still too much is all bad as well but it is left to everyone to decide for themselves. Now that smoking is relegated to outdoors, can't we let the smokers smoke if they want to?

Right-wingers are always in somebody's pocket. The health of the nation is never a priority for them and their ilk. Following the money just comes natural.

Right-wingers are always in somebody's pocket.

Not to the level that the left is, has been for decades.

The health of the nation is never a priority for them and their ilk.

Hmmm

Following the money just comes natural.

You just might be surprised.

Hey Stan..".the tobacco lobby " exists and you can read all about it.

Same names as those who decried "acid rain and now "global warming "

You dont think a multi billion industry based on addiction has a vested interest in preserving sales.

Tobacco groups among the biggest donors to political parties...and I guarantee this is in play in NZ

Educate yourself....google "books on Tobacco lobby "

Nanny State handed a defeat. Cue the left going bananas.

Bad move by the new government. Should have let the law stand and saved future generations an extra way to kill themselves and others that they really do not need. The money they would have saved in a lifetime could buy them all a brand new Tesla and still have change left over.

Toblerone

Nanny State handed a defeat. Cue the left going bananas.

Wait a minute. If the government repeals this, it can't be a nanny state right?

If an adult and want to smoke, it's the adult choice..

Live and let live..

Right-wingers are always in somebody's pocket.

Not to the level that the left is, has been for decades.

Both are the same kind of brothel..

And the ruin of good old US..

Good. A government has no business telling people what they can and can't do to themselves.

As much as I personally detest smoking(loathe, abhor, etc.), no government has the right to dictate what citizens can or cannot ingest. The failed drug war (globally) is evidence of that.

Nanny State handed a defeat. Cue the left going bananas.

Wait a minute. If the government repeals this, it can't be a nanny state right?

There was a change of government, that’s why. The Ardern “progressive” Nanny government was thrown out by the NZ public. Didn’t you know?

Just tax the heck out of the cancer sticks and people will get it, it will be a beautiful day when Japan starts charging ¥2.000 a pack,

NZ is a perfect example of how that doesn’t work. Can’t get a pack of 20 cigarettes for less than $25 already and people will still go without necessities for that.

factcheckerToday  07:49 pm JST

Good. A government has no business telling people what they can and can't do to themselves.

What if it's unintentionally killing them. Slowly but surely.

What if some people are either too uneducated or ignorant to do what's best for themselves in accordance with all available medical evidence and advice.

What if the practice puts a tremendous burden on the nation's medical system. That everyone pays for.

What if the practice untintentionally but indiscriminatley hurts people around them.

What if the users are unable to stop because they are heavily addicted.

I'm ok with people smoking if they don't exhale any of the smoke

At least enforce regulations so there's least effects and bother on those who don't smoke, they have rights too

If the govt taxes are too high, the illegal trade will pick up to fill the gap.

I'm all for allowing adults to make stupid choices, but we ban other addictive drugs without prescriptions already, so why isn't nicotine on that list and regulated too?

Getting humans to change habits isn't THAT hard. We all wear seat belts and motorcycle helmets, right? As usual, some people did it for safety BEFORE it was legally required. When it became required, others complained, but started wearing protection - even if some of the helmets aren't exactly functional.

I don't see the difference in cigarettes or vaping. They are known to be bad for humans. Allowing vaping was just stupid. It should have been stopped before it got started. All sorts of harmful things are in both. Inhaling particulates is bad for humans. There are reasons that many countries have air-quality standards. Too bad much of Asia doesn't. Children living in those conditions for decades are going to die before they should.

Terrible!

But hard working to death and paying taxes for those little wannabe-dictators is further allowed I guess.

But hard working to death and paying taxes for those little wannabe-dictators is further allowed I guess.

What is the connection to this comment and tobacco laws in NZ?

Toblerone

Wait a minute. If the government repeals this, it can't be a nanny state right?

There was a change of government, that’s why. The Ardern “progressive” Nanny government was thrown out by the NZ public. Didn’t you know?

So it's not a nanny state?

What if it's unintentionally killing them. Slowly but surely. 

So ban all fast food, soft drinks and candy as well?

What if some people are either too uneducated or ignorant to do what's best for themselves in accordance with all available medical evidence and advice.

The same could be said about junk food

What if the practice puts a tremendous burden on the nation's medical system. That everyone pays for

The same could be said about junk food

What if the practice untintentionally but indiscriminatley hurts people around them.

Smoking is already banned inside in New Zealand, correct? Smoking outside has negligible health effects on other people if you aren’t around them

What if the users are unable to stop because they are heavily addicted.

People can become addicted to anything. Should we ban video games because people also get heavily addicted?

Just tax the heck out of the cancer sticks and people will get it, it will be a beautiful day when Japan starts charging ¥2.000 a pack, this tax hike will cover the addicts' medical expenses

Same with people who get sports injuries. Why should i pay for injuries someone else got from playing game? People should have to pay out of pocket for any sports injuries.

The new coalition government elected in October confirmed the repeal will happen on Tuesday as a matter of urgency, enabling it to scrap the law without seeking public comment, in line with previously announced plans.

High priority