Youthline Supports Ban on Tobacco Displays

Youth development organisation Youthline is supporting a ban on tobacco displays in response to a legislative review.

The Ministry of Health have proposed three options for tobacco displays, including greater law enforcement and education, limiting displays and providing health warnings or a total ban.

Youthline supports a total ban as they say any advertising of tobacco products promotes smoking as an acceptable choice.

“While individuals make their own choices and must take responsibility for their decisions, society must also create a positive environment which encourages people to make good choices,” says Youthline Clinical Services Manager, Kirk Vette.

Research has shown that young people attracted to displays are more likely to become established smokers, while only 35% of smokers succeed in quitting.

Youthline say that while it is important that people are aware of the health risks of smoking , warning posters may inadvertently act as an advertisement that cigarettes are available.

“Banning tobacco displays removes the continued exposure to tobacco products that may influence people’s decisions to smoke and their ability to quit,” says Vette.

Youthline say smoking is not just a health risk to young people and call for a ban all displays, not simply those in areas accessible to under-18s.

However, Vette says a total ban is only one part of the solution, with more strict enforcement of current law needed.

A 2006 Ministry of Health Tobacco Use Survey showed that many young people start smoking before the legal age and usually purchase their own cigarettes.

ENDS

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