22 April 2008

Iemma Government's tough new anti-smoking measures

Removing line of sight retail sale of cigarettes, banning all tobacco vending machines and outlawing smoking in cars with children are anti-smoking proposals contained in a discussion paper released today by NSW Premier Morris Iemma.

Premier Iemma said the anti-smoking package was aimed at reducing children's exposure and access to cigarettes and tobacco products.

Mr Iemma said the Discussion Paper would be available on the NSW Health website www.health.nsw.gov.au from today and submissions would be accepted until 22 June.

The Iemma Government's "Protecting Children from Tobacco" Discussion Paper proposes:
1. A ban on smoking in cars with children;
2. Moving tobacco products out of sight in retail outlets;
3. A new licensing scheme for tobacco retailers, with deregistration for retailers caught selling to minors;
4. Additional proof of age requirements for buying tobacco products;
5. Restrictions on employees under 18 years of age selling tobacco products;
6. Limiting tobacco to one point-of-sale in retail outlets;
7. A ban on tobacco vending machines; and
8. A ban on tobacco products in shopper loyalty programs.

Premier Iemma said the package was designed to protect children from the dangers of smoking.

"Smoking is one of the country's biggest killers and we can do more to protect them from being exposed to dangerous smoke or taking up the habit," Mr Iemma said.

International research indicates that cigarette displays in shops influence the way children perceive smoking, as well as making it more difficult for recent and intending quitters to stay smoke-free.

Under the proposed ban, retailers would be required to store cigarettes out of sight, such as behind shutters or under the counter.

"Right now, children walk into shops and are confronted with a wall of cigarettes, displayed right next to sweets, chips and other children's treats.

"Children are more influenced by tobacco marketing than adults are.

"We need to look at ways to reduce the visual lure of cigarettes to children at their local shops.

"We must protect children from the temptation of a habit that will lead to addiction and possibly kill them.

"Our research says that over 80 per cent of current smokers began as teenagers.

"Over 20 per cent of 12-17 year olds in NSW have tried smoking in the last 12 months, and more than 10 per cent consider themselves current smokers.

"We must act decisively to help our young people make better choices about their health."

Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), Verity Firth, said the release of the discussion paper was a further indication of the Iemma Government's commitment to reducing smoking rates by 1 per cent per year to 2010.

"We have already phased out smoking in pubs and clubs and have banned tobacco marketing gimmicks used to appeal to young people - like fruit-flavoured cigarettes and smoking tents at music festivals," Ms Firth said.

"This Discussion Paper is about the Government developing new ideas to drive smoking rates down even further and deliver better health to our community."

A recent survey by the Cancer Institute NSW showed that 89 per cent of the community supported moving cigarettes out of sight of children in shops.

"We know that the community wants tough action on tobacco," Mr Iemma said.

"One in two lifetime smokers will die from their habit, with a third of those deaths occurring in middle age.

"That is a future no parent in NSW wants for their child."

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au