Heart Foundation Welcomes Tightening of Tobacco Sales

The Heart Foundation congratulates the government for the tobacco rules announced yesterday, which take a closer step to achieving the vision of a tobacco-free New Zealand.

Associate Minister of Health, Tariana Turia announced the measures that will prohibit displays of tobacco products and introduce tighter legislation and enforcement around the sale of tobacco products.

Heart Foundation Medical Director, Professor Norman Sharpe, says the tighter controls on tobacco will prevent thousands of deaths from heart disease and help future generations to remain tobacco-free.

“This is a very important step along the way in achieving our tobacco-free vision for New Zealand. The removal of retail displays is a significant step in supporting smoking cessation and ensuring fewer young people start smoking,” says Professor Sharpe.

The Heart Foundation urges the government to consider the full recommendations of the Maori Affairs Select Committee report on tobacco and implement a bold and comprehensive plan to achieve a tobacco free New Zealand by 2020.

“The implementation of these recommendations, which in the short term restrict, and in the longer term eliminate tobacco for supply, could save the lives of 5000 New Zealanders, 500 of them Maori, who die from smoking related diseases every year,” says Professor Sharpe.

He says tobacco smoking is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease - which accounts for approximately 40% of all deaths in New Zealand - with Maori being disproportionately affected.

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