WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — There are smoke-free bars, smoke-free parks, even smoke-free college campuses. But a smoke-free country?
New Zealand's government on Thursday squeezed smokers more than ever by announcing a 40 percent hike in tobacco taxes over the next four years. Prices here are already among the highest in the world, and by 2016 they will top 20 New Zealand dollars ($15) a pack on average.
Officials hope higher taxes and new restrictions will bring the nation of 4.4 million closer to a recent pledge to snuff out the habit entirely by 2025. Other countries have lauded the idea of trying to wean their populace off tobacco, but few, if any, have been willing to put a date on it. - http://news.yahoo.com/smoke-free-country-zealand-taxes-aim-063909666--finance.html
The tobacco black market is rampant, and they will be smuggling cigarettes into New Zealand by the boat load. Prohibition does not work. Remember that one day they will try this with beer, soda, and fast food. Its easy to not care when it does not effect you, but if we do not stand up to this now, there will be no one left when they try to take something we like. p.s. I do not smoke, as if it matters.
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