Retailer Poll Shows Ban Not Answer

NZACS Media Release
For Immediate Release: Tuesday 13 July 2010

Retailer Poll Shows Ban Not Answer

The New Zealand Association of Convenience Stores (NZACS) today released the results of a Retailer Poll showing widespread opposition against a Ministry of Health proposal to ban tobacco products from display in shops.

“With over 60% of retailers not agreeing with the display ban proposal the Ministry and Government continues to have a real fight on their hands,” said NZACS Chairman Roger Bull.

“We have consistently encouraged the Ministry to actively talk with the retail sector instead of thinking-up new regulations from Wellington, said Mr Bull. “This research also showed nearly 65% of retailers have never even seen a Ministry official, yet alone been provided advice from the Ministry on their responsibilities as retailers selling tobacco products.”

Retailers are also aware that both Denmark and Sweden have recently rejected a retail display ban alongside reports that the new UK Business Secretary Vince Cable is looking to overturn the UK’s display ban.

“Sweden’s approach of tightening regulations on the sale of tobacco together with stronger enforcement needs serious consideration by the New Zealand Government instead of simplistic display bans which don’t work and force significant costs onto retailers,” said Mr Bull.

“The reality is that the Prime Minister’s comments of June 2009, “that there is no international evidence that a display ban actually works and it’s hugely expensive to do it...” are as relevant today as it was 12 months ago,” Mr Bull said.

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