New Zealand passes tobacco ban

WELLINGTON - Anyone living in New Zealand and born in or after 2009 is now banned from purchasing cigarettes -- for life.

The country passed into law its unique plan to phase out tobacco smoking completely.

With the cut-off date set as 1 January 2009, this means every year the minimum smoking age will increase.

In theory, someone trying to buy a pack of smokes in 2072 -- in 50 years' time -- will need an ID to prove they are at least 63 years old.

But the country's health authorities aren't looking that far. Their stated goal is to see New Zealand tobacco free by 2025.

The law has also reduced the number of retailers allowed to sell tobacco to 600 nationally and decreases the allowed amount of nicotine in products.

The law does not affect vaping, which has already become more popular than smoking in New Zealand.