Plain packaging for tobacco products is one step closer

Plain packaging for tobacco products is one step closer for New Zealand

Submissions on the Smokefree Environments (plain packaging) Amendment Bill closed today, Friday 28th March. Cancer Society Auckland congratulate the government for progressing the adoption of plain packaging legislation in New Zealand, however they urge government to take action.

“We want to see a future with less cancer for future generations and completely support plain packaging being introduced as soon as possible. Reducing the marketing of tobacco brands through plain packaging will reduce the appeal of tobacco products, especially to our children.” Says John Loof, CEO, Cancer Society Auckland.

“The average age people start to smoke in New Zealand is 14 years. Plain Packaging is about increasing the size of health warnings and removing industry branding from the packet. This is important because cigarette packaging is a powerful marketing tool used by tobacco companies to appeal to children and young people.” says John Loof.

Legislation has been drafted for plain packaging (and is up to its second reading in parliament) however Prime Minister John Key has stated that a law will not be passed until the results of the Australian legal challenges are known. Cancer Society would like to see the legislation passed as soon as possible and urges the Government not to delay.

“Australia has taken the first steps but it is now our chance to prioritise the health of our future generations through tobacco control. Introducing plain packaging of tobacco products will reduce the amount of children starting to smoke and is an essential step to achieving a Smokefree New Zealand by 2025.” Says John Loof.

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