NZMA Applauds Smokefree Legislation

MEDIA RELEASE
Dr Tricia Briscoe, Chairman NZMA

NZMA applauds smokefree legislation

The New Zealand Medical Association applauds the passing of the Smokefree Environments Amendment Bill, an important public health measure which will have positive effects on the health of future generations of New Zealanders.

“The 75 percent of New Zealanders who do not smoke have the right to a smokefree environment, and we congratulate the Government for passing this Act in the face of significant opposition,” said NZMA Chairman Dr Tricia Briscoe.

“This legislation reflects the fact that society has moved on, and it is no longer acceptable to smoke tobacco around others in public places. Hospitality workers are also entitled to smokefree working conditions.

“New Zealand led the world in introducing earlier smokefree legislation, and the time is now right to further extend that with the aim of reducing smoking, reducing exposure to second-hand smoke, and improving public health.

“This legislation will help smokers to give up, and will help them to stay smokefree by providing social environments that don’t encourage them to smoke.

“It is important that the smoke-free lifestyle is promoted as the norm, and that appropriate public health campaigns are carried out to further reduce the level of smoking.”

ENDS

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