I’d agree if the current policy was an outright ban but it isn’t, it’s graduated slowly in combination with a restriction in supply channels and an elimination of marketing and advertising in order to avoid that outcome. The goal is to progressively reduce demand rather than cutting off supply and handing the demand to the black market.
I’m also a bit weirded out by seeing that argument coming for the National party and it’s supporters with no sense of irony 3 years after they fought against cannabis legalization.
Luxon’s other argument that fewer outlets selling tobacco would be a bigger target for criminals including ram-raiders ignores the fact that dairies (convenience stores) already are and it would be easier to secure fewer sites properly.
