Give up the Money, Save Some Lives for World Smokefree Day

30 MAY 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tomorrow, Tuesday, is World Smokefree Day and the Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the Government to stub out its addiction to excise tax revenue and legalise e-cigarettes so that more New Zealanders can kick the habit. According to UK Government research, e-cigarettes are 95% less harmful than traditional fags and are the number one tool used by smokers to kick the habit in Britain. E-cigarettes containing nicotine are prohibited for sale in New Zealand.

Jordan Williams, the Executive Director of the Taxpayers’ Union, says:

“While politicians cry crocodile tears about wanting to ‘save lives’ the Government continues to prevent the sale of the one alternative which is far less harmful and proven to assist in getting people to quit.”

“The best thing the Government could do this World Smokefree Day is legalise e-cigarettes. The only reason Associate Health Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga is sitting on his hands appears to be to protect the juicy tax revenue the Government collects from excise tax on tobacco.”

“Sadly it appears that the Government is choosing money over people’s lives.”

“The tobacco excise hikes announced as part of last week’s Budget are projected to bring in $425 million in new revenue. That’s more than half the Government’s projected surplus next year and off the back of a demographic that can least afford it.”

ENDS

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