Tobacco out of sight from 1 January 2010

From tomorrow (1 January 2010) tobacco displays will no longer be visible at Canberra newsagencies, supermarkets and petrol stations, ACT Minister for Health, Katy Gallagher MLA said today.

The tighter regulations come into effect tomorrow, following moves by the ACT Government last year to amend the Tobacco Act.

“Tobacco displays will be required to be placed out of sight to reduce the advertising that occurs with cigarettes and cigars,” Ms Gallagher said.

“Displays will be removed from view and licensees obliged to store products out of sight, for example under the counter or in drawers so that packets and cartons cannot be seen.

“People can still purchase tobacco by asking the sales assistant for the brand they want, the products just won’t be on display for all to see.

“Point of sale displays are one of the last remaining ways tobacco products can be seen and promoted so this is another important step forward in our efforts to further minimise tobacco use and exposure.

“Tobacco remains the largest preventable cause of death in the ACT and Australia, with an estimated 15,511 Australian dying from tobacco related illnesses each year.

“The ACT Government will continue to do what it can to reduce the harmful effects that smoking has on the community,” Ms Gallagher said.

The ban on point of sale displays comes after the Government passed legislation earlier this month to ban smoking in the outdoor areas of Canberra’s restaurants, cafes and coffee shops, as well as at underage functions. The ban on smoking in outdoor eating and drinking areas will come into effect in December next year, giving businesses time to adjust.

31 December 2009