New Zealand to introduce ban on cigarettes for future generations

Dec 9 2021

In an attempt to eventually phase out smoking in New Zealand, the country plans to ban tobacco sales to individuals of the next generation.

The new law, which is expected to be put into place next year, will not allow anyone born after 2008 to purchase cigarettes or tobacco products during their lifetime. New Zealand Health Minister Dr Ayesha Verall stated that they want to ensure young people never start smoking as they attempt to clamp down on smoking across the country.

The decision received widespread support from doctors and health experts, calling the reform a “world-leading” decision which will cut down on access to tobacco and nicotine products. University of Otago’s Prof Janet Hook stated that such a decision will allow youth to “quit or switch to less harmful products, and make it much less likely that young people get addicted to nicotine.”

New Zealand’s national goal is to cut the national smoking rate to 5% by 2025 in an attempt to ultimately eliminate smoking altogether.

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UK PM Boris Johnson announces new COVID-19 restrictions amid Omicron variant surge

Dec 9 2021

As the UK struggles in the midst of a surge in Omicron variant cases, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has put in place a number of new restrictions in an attempt to mitigate the surge of the heavily-mutated variant.

Johnson stated it was the “proportionate and responsible thing to move to plan B in England” as the rate of variant cases is doubling every two to three days. The government is advising employees to work from home where possible, going on to state that presentation of COVID-19 vaccine passports will become compulsory in England, with Scotland and Wales having introduced similar measures.

Johnson stated that such presentation will be required for entry into nightclubs and venues which welcome larger crowds, insisting that these new restrictions do not constitute a lockdown but they are a response to the lack of knowledge on the new variant, highlighting that “[they] can’t assume Omicron is less severe than previous variants.”

The Prime Minister also appealed to the general public to go and take their vaccines and booster doses as soon as their turn arrives.

What do you make of this?

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Marsaxlokk needs more open spaces – PN critique new building application

Dec 8 2021

The Nationalist Party have criticised plans to dig up green spaces which form part of Marsaxlokk’s primary school and replace them with a library, local council offices and garages.

PN spokesman Peter Agius spoke at a press conference and stated that Marsaxlokk needs more open areas. It could not afford to lose ‘yet another’ open space to development.

Should the plans be approved by the Planning Authority, Agius said, it would be killing around 40 trees. It will instead be replaced by a three-storey block rise.

Electoral candidate Janice Chetcuti joined Agius in his critique, asking what example the authorities wish to give to Marsaxlokk’s children should a garden be replaced by construction.

The planning application is currently awaiting recommendation of assigned case officer and was filed by Marsaxlokk mayor Stephen Grech.

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Photo Source: Peter Agius FB

Over 50% of businesses forecast better sales during Christmas of this year

Dec 8 2021

Up to 53% of businesses are expecting better sales during this year’s festive season when compared to the same period in 2020.

A survey by the Malta Chamber of SMEs revealed that the majority, at 42%, expect to see better sales than 2020. 11% feel that this festive season will be closer to 2019, thus getting the 53% mark.

23% believe that sales will be more comparable to 2020 whereas 18% feel that this year, sales will be somehow worse than last year. 6% responded not applicable.

The survey follows Black Friday, confirming that this year, many businesses extended their offers beyond Black Friday. This led to a calmer 26th of November but also gave businesses a strong November, with results leaving the majority satisfied.

Black Friday week starting 22nd November proved the most popular with 35% of businesses choosing this option. This was followed by Black Friday Weekend at 27%, followed in turn by those deciding to run offers throughout the month of November at 23%.

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