Plain Packaging a Step Too Far

Conservative Party Leader Colin Craig says plain packaging legislation is a step too far.

“There’s clearly a double standard,” he says, “when the government gives the alcohol industry power to ‘police itself,’ and then turns to cigarette companies, and insists on the removal of branding. This legislation is a step too far.”

“This is an example of the government involving itself in the private lives of individuals, where it just doesn’t need to. Of course this extension of nanny state is once again paid for by New Zealand taxpayers. Government should be sticking to core business, and doing it at maximum efficiency. We need less government at less cost.”

“The Conservative Party is committed to limiting government, and bringing it back to its core duties”

“It’s alcohol and drug misuse that are causing the biggest problems in New Zealand, not cigarettes. Alcohol and drug misuse are estimated to cost taxpayers in excess of 5.3 billion dollars a year. Over 70% of hospital emergency admissions are alcohol related, as are most violent crimes. This is the real problem; however the government are side-tracked looking at the packaging of cigarettes. The priorities are wrong.”

“This move is just more unnecessary rules. Its rules, on rules, and the rules in this country are going way beyond sensible.”

ENDS

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