Smoking pub patrons looking for their nicotine fix may soon get it from their next glass of beer, not a cigarette.
A new beer has been launched in Germany which contains nicotine and 6.3 per cent alcohol.
Alcohol Healthwatch in New Zealand said drinking three 250ml cans was the equivalent of smoking three packets of cigarettes.
Alcohol Healthwatch director Rebecca Williams said the new beer was seen overseas as a way of getting around smoking bans in public places.
There was no sign yet of it being introduced in New Zealand.
In New Zealand smoking has been banned in public bars since December last year when the Smokefree Environments Act became law, forcing smokers in bars to go outside for a cigarette.
Ms Williams said Alcohol Healthwatch would oppose the introduction of beer containing nicotine.
She said she did not know the effect of mixing nicotine with an alcoholic beverage.
"To me it seems crazy but I guess some people have a need."
Alcohol Healthwatch had opposed mixing alcohol with drugs and additives, including caffeine and guarana, a Brazilian energy extract which contains caffeine.
She said alcohol was a depressant and the other drugs and additives were stimulants and the impact on users was not well known.
A new beer has been launched in Germany which contains nicotine and 6.3 per cent alcohol.
Alcohol Healthwatch in New Zealand said drinking three 250ml cans was the equivalent of smoking three packets of cigarettes.
Alcohol Healthwatch director Rebecca Williams said the new beer was seen overseas as a way of getting around smoking bans in public places.
There was no sign yet of it being introduced in New Zealand.
In New Zealand smoking has been banned in public bars since December last year when the Smokefree Environments Act became law, forcing smokers in bars to go outside for a cigarette.
Ms Williams said Alcohol Healthwatch would oppose the introduction of beer containing nicotine.
She said she did not know the effect of mixing nicotine with an alcoholic beverage.
"To me it seems crazy but I guess some people have a need."
Alcohol Healthwatch had opposed mixing alcohol with drugs and additives, including caffeine and guarana, a Brazilian energy extract which contains caffeine.
She said alcohol was a depressant and the other drugs and additives were stimulants and the impact on users was not well known.
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