New law limits smoking, vaping

From today it is illegal to smoke or vape in most vehicles carrying children aged under 18, even if the vehicle is not moving. Associate Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall said that second-hand smoke posed an unacceptable risk to children, and that poisons from cigarettes lingered. Evidence showed exposure to second-hand smoke could cause asthma, chest infections and glue ear. The ban was introduced by the Smoke-free Environments (Prohibiting Smoking in Motor Vehicles Carrying Children) Act in May 2020. In August 2020, this was extended to include vaping through the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Act.