ASH Australia media release                                          November 9, 2004

Tightening tobacco promotion 
will protect kids

Health groups support Qld government stance 
on tobacco display limits

“

The National Heart Foundation of Australia and Action on Smoking and Health support moves by the Queensland Government to protect children’s health by restricting tobacco displays at retail outlets.

All Queensland MPs have been urged to support this legislation and not to be cowed by the demands of tobacco retailers.  

Queensland Parliament is today considering a Bill which would limit shop displays of tobacco products to one square metre. Health groups are calling for no visible display.

“This is simply about protecting the health of Queensland children”, says Cameron Prout, Chief Executive Officer of the National Heart Foundation of Australia (Queensland Division).

“We know from research that in this state, almost 40,000 secondary students under 18 are smoking regularly. We also know that a quarter of these are getting their smokes illegally from retailers – and among 16-17 year olds, it’s as high as 40%.

“This disgraceful situation is compounded by kids seeing huge displays of colourful tobacco products right up at the front of supermarkets, service stations, convenience stores and corner shops – right there in full view, next to the lollies and health food bars.”

Adds Anne Jones, Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Australia:
”We urge Queensland MPs not to be intimidated by lobbying from vested interests who are reaping huge profits from illegal supply of this deadly and addictive drug to children.

“Adult smokers will not be inconvenienced at all. They know where these products are sold and their access to them will not be reduced. A recent survey shows that over 80% of smokers already know their brand preference and are not influenced by displays.

“There is no need to wait for lengthy national discussions. This red herring is being put up in a bid to stop Queensland from making its own decisions.

“National discussions may or may not follow – if they do, they’ll have a working model to assess.

“All states should move quickly towards ending tobacco displays and introducing a registration scheme for tobacco dealers – the fees helping to pay for education of retailers and wholesalers on how to prevent supplying to children, and also to cover the costs of effective monitoring and enforcement.”

Media inquiries:   
Claire Ready   ph. (07) 3872 2512; (m) 0421 911 116
Stafford Sanders   ph. (02) 9334-1823; (m) 0412-070-194

Page last updated on 9/11/04