14 Jul 2011

MPs approve bill banning tobacco retail displays

8:43 pm on 14 July 2011

Legislation banning the retail display of tobacco products has passed its final reading in Parliament and is set to become law.

The Smoke-free Environments (Controls and Enforcement) Amendment Bill also introduces instant fines for those caught selling tobacco products to people under the age of 18.

Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia says the bill is driven by the need to reduce the uptake of tobacco and to help people to quit.

Mrs Turia says she will continue to put in place more legislation to ensure there is no tobacco in New Zealand by 2025.

The bill passed almost unanimously, with three ACT Party MPs voting against it and will come into force a year after it is signed into law.