ASH Australia media release                                       November 16, 2007

Woolworths accused of pushing drugs in shopfronts and ignoring harm to children 

Call by 37 groups at AGM for out-of-sight tobacco; 
new survey

Woolworths supermarkets have been accused of promoting tobacco to children and teenagers, contrary to the company’s claims that the family store is socially responsible.

The accusation came today (Nov 16) at the Woolworths Ltd Annual General Meeting in Sydney, where 37 health, child welfare, church and community groups* called for an end to tobacco retail displays.

The coalition coordinator,  Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), released the findings of a new survey** showing tobacco displays are highly visible to children whenever and wherever they shop - from both inside and outside shops.

The survey of more than 500 shops found high-visibility tobacco displays along George Street in the city; and in three suburban shopping centres: Marrickvile Metro, Macquarie Centre (North Ryde) and Gladesville Shopping Village. The survey showed:

• 87% of shops selling tobacco have tobacco displays visible from outside the shop.
• 87% of shops feature displays in close proximity to sweets, magazines, toys, sporting, novelty or school supplies that attract children.
• Many shops, including Woolworths, have tobacco displays placed low, at the eye level of a small child, and near child-targeted promotions.

ASH Chief Executive Anne Jones said:  “Cigarette displays are visible to the entire population - including children. They encourage young people to start smoking, undermine smokers’ attempts to quit, and are a harmful loophole in the tobacco advertising ban.

“Woolworths supermarkets are among the worst offenders for placing tobacco displays in prominent front-of-shop positions near other items that attract young people. It’s very hard for children or recent quitters to avoid seeing tobacco products every time they go in and out of shops – or even walking past.

“These displays are a very effective form of advertising, up there 24/7. In the words of the tobacco industry, their aim is to ‘encourage trial purchase and re-purchase.’ And the industry also knows most smokers start as children when they’re illegally supplied these addictive products.

“Action is needed urgently. Research studies confirm that tobacco shop displays normalise tobacco to children and predispose them towards smoking.

“Smokers are not disadvantaged by out-of-sight, as 80% say they don’t need displays to purchase.

“This is the third year we’ve raised our concerns with the major supermarket chains - and we hope this year they’ll protect children by supporting legislation for out-of-sight tobacco in all retail outlets.”

* see campaign and supporters at  www.ashaust.org.au/lv4/ProtectChildrenEndorsements.htm

** See results at  www.ashaust.org.au/lv4/POSsurvSyd0710.doc 

Comment:    Anne Jones, CEO, ASH Australia    m. 0417-227-879

Media info:   Stafford Sanders, ASH Australia     ph. (02) 9334-1823;  m. 0412-070-194

Page last updated 16/11/07