Tobacco Retail Display Ban Poorly Implemented

20 July 2012

Tobacco Retail Display Ban Poorly Implemented

The implementation of the Government’s much heralded tobacco retail display ban, that comes into force from Monday, was poorly handled and represents another cost factor for the struggling retail sector says a leading retailer group.

“Retailers were given the actual regulations for the ban by the Ministry of Health on 10 July – only 12 days before the ban took effect which was simply not good enough,” said Roger Bull, Chairman of the New Zealand Association of Convenience Stores

“While the display ban on tobacco products was well forewarned, retailers were still left wondering exactly how the regulations would allow them to manage a major product category in their shops, that in some cases is vital for their economic survival,” said Mr Bull.

“Sadly the Ministry of Health’s advice to the Government continues to force more direct costs onto small retail businesses by way of stock management costs and increased transaction times.

“NZACS is concerned that comments by Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia further disregards the real concerns of over 6,500 retailers about costs that her ideas have on their businesses.

“We’ve heard threats of retail licensing for selling tobacco to the possible introduction of plain packaging for tobacco that is not only untested, but with tobacco now hidden from customers views can only lead to further transaction times, more time training staff and further increases risks of store theft as retailer search out tobacco brands,” said Mr Bull.

“The retail sector would actually like to see the Government support businesses in these difficult economic times, instead of seeing the Government force more and more costs onto businesses,” said Mr Bull.

ENDS

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