New Zealand's parliament today passed legislation that bans the retail display of tobacco products, reports Radio New Zealand.

The Smoke-free Environments (Controls and Enforcement) Amendment Bill passed almost unanimously, with three ACT Party MPs voting against it and will come into force a year after it is signed into law.
The bill also introduces instant fines of NZD 10,000 (EUR 6,000) for those caught selling tobacco products to people under the age of 18.
Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia says the bill is driven by the need to reduce the uptake of tobacco and to help people to quit. She said she will continue to put in place more legislation to ensure there is no tobacco in New Zealand by 2025. (pi)