Unprecedented Retailer Opposition to Plain Packs

Media release from New Zealand Association of Convenience Stores

Unprecedented Retailer Opposition to Plain Packs

NZACS Media Release

FOR RELEASE – Monday 8 October 2012, 3.15pm

Unprecedented Retailer Opposition to Plain Packs

The Ministry of Health’s consultation on plain packaging for tobacco that closed on Friday has resulted in unprecedented retailer opposition to the proposal which even the Ministry acknowledges can’t be guaranteed to reduce smoking numbers.

“We know of nearly 4,000 retailers and their staff who have expressed their opposition to a measure that they feel will do little aside from increase costs onto their businesses,” said Roger Bull, Chairman of the New Zealand Association of Convenience Stores (NZACS).

“That is a huge number, representing about 71% of approximately 5,600 retailers and their staff who sell tobacco in New Zealand,” said Mr Bull.

“This latest regulatory proposal making tobacco products look almost identical presents a number of challenges to retailers, not the least being increasing transaction times which thwards a business’s ability to grow, hire new staff and pay higher wages.”

“The Ministry’s plain packaging proposal will increase problems with retailers’ inventory management, stock delivery times and transaction times, and also increases the potential for the wrong product selection by staff – all costing businesses time and money,” said Mr Bull.

“Retailers are fed up with the threat of more regulations that will discourage businesses growth. No one disputes the need for strong tobacco regulations, but existing measures like the retail display ban should at least be measured and evaluated before forcing new untested measures onto small, often family-run businesses,” Mr Bull said.

[Ends]

BACKGROUND NOTES TO EDITOR

• NZACS is a leading trade association representing the interests of over 750 retailers and suppliers within the convenience retailing industry in New Zealand.

• NZACS produces industry research including an annual survey of retailer performance across the convenience retail sector.

• NZACS provides education and development opportunities for member employees in the industry, including an annual development programme for aspiring retail and supplier company leaders.

• NZACS Submission to the Ministry’s Plain Packaging Consultation available on request.

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