Retailer Group calls for Release of Submissions

Media release from New Zealand Association of Convenience Stores

Retailer Group calls for Release of Submissions

NZACS Media Release

FOR RELEASE – Tuesday 6 November 2012, 2:45pm

Retailer Group calls for Release of Submissions

One of New Zealand’s leading retail organisations today issued a challenge to the Ministry of Health to release the initial results of the submission process as businesses face more costs if this proposal for plain packaging of tobacco products is adopted.

“We are astounded that it’s been over a month since the Government’s much heralded consultation on its ‘Proposal to Introduce Plain Packaging of Tobacco Products’ and there been absolutely no comment from either the Ministry or from the Associate Minister of Health Tariana Turia,” said Roger Bull, Chairman of the New Zealand Association of Convenience Stores (NZACS).

“We are aware that nearly 4,000 retailers have expressed their opposition to a measure that they feel will do little aside from increase costs onto their businesses. This is a huge number representing about 71% of the approximately 5,600 retailers that sell tobacco in New Zealand,” said Mr Bull.

“What we have now is a refusal by the Ministry of Health to even say how many submissions it received from the public. That’s not good enough.”

“Retailers and others took the time to provide their views to the Ministry, due to real concerns that this proposal would lead to greater transaction times and further hinder retail convenience stores,” said Mr Bull.

NZAC is calling on the Minister to release the results of the consultation process as ongoing speculation and uncertainty in the retail market is further undermining the retail sector, Mr Bull said.

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Background Notes To Editors

• Retailers are concerned that the introduction of plain packs making tobacco products look almost identical, presents a number of challenges to retailers, will further increase problems with retailers’ inventory management, lead to an increase in stock delivery times and transaction times, and increases the potential for the wrong product selection by staff – all costing businesses time and money.
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• NZACS is a leading retail trade association representing the interests of over 750 retailers and suppliers within the convenience retailing industry in New Zealand.
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• NZACS produces industry research including an annual survey of retailer performance across the convenience retail sector.
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• NZACS provides education and development opportunities for member employees in the industry, including an annual development programme for aspiring retail and supplier company leaders.
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• NZACS Submission to the Ministry’s Plain Packaging Consultation available on request.

ENDS

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