Smoking Bans

WARM UP

1. Have you ever tried smoking?

2. How do you react when you see someone smoking in public?

3. What's your opinion on smoking portrayed in movies or TV shows?

   
   

READING

New Zealand's recent policy shift on smoking has sparked controversy and global attention. Just last year, the country made headlines as the first in the world to announce plans to gradually eliminate cigarette sales. Under the leadership of former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, measures were introduced to prevent young adults from buying cigarettes, aiming to create a smoke-free future generation.

The bold move received widespread acclaim for its potential to significantly improve public health. However, the newly elected Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, has surprised many by abandoning these plans. Luxon cited concerns about the affordability of the ban and emphasized the importance of tobacco tax revenues for the country's finances.

This reversal in policy has caused a ripple effect globally. In the United Kingdom, the government has announced its intention to follow New Zealand's lead by implementing laws to prohibit young people from purchasing cigarettes in the coming years. The goal is to pave the way for "smoke-free generations." Similarly, Canada has taken steps to increase awareness of the risks associated with smoking by mandating health warnings on individual cigarette packets.

Despite the government's reasoning, anti-tobacco groups have expressed disappointment and frustration over the decision to backtrack on the smoking ban. They argue that combating the entrenched presence of harmful products like cigarettes requires bold and collective action on a societal level.

The debate surrounding New Zealand's change in direction highlights the complexities of public health policy and the ongoing efforts to address smoking-related health issues worldwide.

READING COMPREHENSION

1. What recent policy shift has occurred in New Zealand regarding smoking?

2. Why did the newly elected Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, decide to abandon the plans to eliminate cigarette sales?

3. How have anti-tobacco groups reacted to New Zealand's reversal in smoking policy

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What do you think about New Zealand's initial plan to eliminate cigarette sales?

2. Do you agree with the decision of New Zealand's new Prime Minister to abandon the plan? Why or why not?

3. What measures should be taken to reduce smoking rates in countries around the world?

4. How important is it for governments to prioritize public health over financial considerations?

5. What role individual responsibility plays in addressing smoking-related health issues?

6. What are some potential consequences of reversing smoking policies, both for individuals and society as a whole?

7. How can education and awareness campaigns contribute to reducing smoking rates?

8. What are some alternative strategies governments could adopt to discourage smoking?

9. How do you think the debate surrounding smoking policies reflects broader discussions about public health and government intervention?

10. What challenges do governments face in implementing and enforcing smoking-related policies?