According to the Ministry of Health, about 31% of 15-29 year olds smoke. The proposal is similar to the one in New Zealand, which would ban people born after 2007 from buying tobacco products. Although New Zealand`s plan, like Denmark`s, is more advanced, it has yet to pass legislation that says the same. The intent of the law is to reduce the number of future smokers by excluding them from any legal purchase of tobacco products. Following New Zealand`s example, this would mean that people born in 2010 or earlier would be able to buy tobacco as soon as they reach the age of majority, while anyone born after 2010 would never reach the legal age to buy tobacco products. People under the age of 18 are not legally allowed to buy cigarettes under current Danish law, so while the ban would have no effect for six years, it would prevent people born after 2010 from buying cigarettes, political media reports Altinget. Our agreement was intended to ensure that children and youth were not exposed to the harmful effects of smoking. We have a duty to help young people make healthy choices, and if we can dissuade them from starting to smoke, then we have taken an important step towards a healthier Denmark. (Ibid.) It is illegal to sell or give tobacco products directly or indirectly to minors, and anyone caught doing so will be subject to severe penalties. New Zealand`s smoke-free action plan aims to reduce the number of smokers to 5% by 2025.

“These are world-class measures that will put us on track to meet New Zealand`s long-standing goal of being smoke-free by 2025,” Verrall added. Dr Natalie Walker, director of the Centre for Addiction Research at the University of Auckland, said: “New Zealand is once again a world leader – this time with a state-of-the-art smoke-free implementation plan 2025 – it is a real game changer.” The national cancer organisation Kræftens Bekæmpelse argued that the law was not strict enough, as the smoking rate among young people had not decreased recently. Leif Vesterfarrg Pedersen of the organization endorsed restrictions on smoking in schools, saying he was “disappointed that smoke is not completely eliminated.” (Ibid.) Under Danish laws, people under the age of 18 are prohibited from buying tobacco and e-cigarettes. But about 31 percent of 15- to 29-year-olds are smokers, Heunicke said. New Zealand announced in December a groundbreaking plan to ban tobacco sales by gradually raising the age limit from 2027. Other measures included reducing the amount of legal nicotine in tobacco products to a very low level, reducing the number of stores where cigarettes could be legally sold, and increasing funding for addiction services. “People over the age of 14, when the law comes into effect, will never be able to legally buy tobacco. » It is illegal for minors to buy, use or possess tobacco products in public Minors caught red-handed typically receive a warning or a $30 fine, with their school and parents informed and follow-up action taken by the school. Minors arrested more than once must attend at least two smoking cessation counseling sessions to aggravate their crimes. Minors who do not meet the above requirements, or if arrested four or more times, may be charged in court and, if convicted, fined up to $300. [107] Nearly one-third of the country`s youth are smokers. The new legislation has been criticised for being too restrictive and flexible.

Sophie Løhde of the opposition Venstre party said: “The current smoking laws are perfectly adequate and there are much more important things to discuss. Citizens can think for themselves and do not need detailed government manuals. (New smoking law attacked from both sides, above.) Henrik Thulesen Dahl of Dansk Folkeparti also spoke out against the new law and described the ban on smoking in individual offices as overprotective and counterproductive. “I actually think the new smoking law will mean that more people will be exposed to tobacco smoke if everyone smokes outside at the entrance of buildings,” he said, adding: “They will become more visible and therefore also be able to inspire more people to smoke.” (Ibid.) The law also includes measures to increase support for smokers who wish to quit, including NOK 1.5 million for the operation of the hotline stop lines. (Ibid.) Stop Lines is a project of the Danish Health Authority and includes a website and telephone line that offer support to smokers who want to quit. (About Stoplinien.dk (last accessed April 23, 2012).) This law will come into force in 2027 and will raise the legal smoking age by 18 each year. The current law allows Danish citizens over the age of 18 to buy cigarettes, but Heunicke said about 31 percent of people between the ages of 15 and 29 smoke.