Plain Packaging Bill Will Curb Tobacco Branding

A bill forcing tobacco companies to use plain packaging for their products has taken its first step through Parliament

Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia said she was acutely aware of the effect of branding on consumer behaviour which the Smoke-free Environments (Tobacco Plain Packaging) Amendment Bill would seek to curb

The decision to introduce of plain packaging was made to remove the last way for tobacco companies to promote smoking.

After the removal of advertising smoking companies had worked hard to develop brands and packaging to persuade smoking is fun and glamorous, Turia said.

She said legal threats from the tobacco sector should be ignored.

Prime Minister John Key has indicated the bill will not pass into law until legal action against similar legislation in Australia is concluded.

Debate on the bill was interrupted then the House rose for the dinner break.

Earlier in the evening the Government adjourned the debate on the Prime Minister’s statement with with four hours and one minute remaining.

**
ParliamentToday.co.nz is a breaking news source for New Zealand parliamentary business featuring broadcast daily news reports

© Scoop Media