Asthma Foundation supports tobacco display ban

Asthma Foundation continues to support tobacco displays ban

The Asthma Foundation welcomes plans by Hon Tariana Turia to advance a proposal to ban the display of tobacco products in shops. Foundation Chief Executive Jane Patterson says such a ban is important if New Zealand is going to successfully tackle the harm caused by smoking.

“At the moment, children can go into a dairy and see cigarettes for sale alongside ‘everyday’ items like bread and milk. But tobacco is no ordinary product – it kills half its users. The Asthma Foundation struggles to understand how there can be any debate about continuing to allow children to be exposed to a product that kills.”

Minister Turia has announced further consultation on options for removing tobacco products from display in retail outlets. Consultation closes on 21 May 2010.

Jane says that she is hopeful the consultation is a sign that the Government is revisiting its previous decision not to ban tobacco displays.

“Tobacco displays are simply another form of advertising, designed to get people to buy cigarettes. There is clear evidence that children and adolescents who are frequently exposed to tobacco displays are more likely to experiment and start smoking.

“We look forward to this further round of consultation and to a strong response from Government to ban tobacco displays.”

Cigarette smoking is a major cause of asthma attacks and about 1 in 4 New Zealand children and 1 in 6 adults has asthma.

ENDS

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