Why a black market looms as NZ stubs out smoking
Dr Eric Crampton is Chief Economist, the New Zealand Initiative, implores the Government to listen to ASH Chair, Robert Beaglehole in how to get to the Smokefree 2025 goal.
"Measures targeting supply can only have effects in the longer term. Reducing demand by encouraging reduced-harm alternatives should be the priority. New Zealand's highest rates of smoking are found in isolated rural communities with limited access to tobacco retailers.
Moreover, if supply-side measures are implemented before measures that encourage people to shift to reduced-harm alternatives, they could hinder the goal's achievement."
To read the Newsroom article, click HERE
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