Australia: Greens Says Smoking Licences Needed

Source from:  Sky News  08/15/2013

It's time to get tough on the tobacco industry and issue cigarette sales licences, the NSW Greens say.

The call follows a Cancer Council survey revealing one in four tobacco outlets are flouting the rules.

Greens MP John Kaye says the finding shows tobacco laws are failing and the state government must introduce a licensing system similar to the one governing alcohol sales.

'Licensing is urgently needed to enforce the laws and to reduce the number of outlets,' Mr Kaye said.

'The O'Farrell government should require all sales of a product that kills one in two people who use it as recommended to be licensed and heavily regulated.'

Mr Kaye said the government should be taking steps to make it less convenient for people to be ensnared by the tobacco industry.

'Without a licensing system, it will be impossible to control and reduce outlet density,' he added.

'Purchasing a packet of cigarettes must become inconvenient by making outlets harder to access.'

Mr Kaye pointed out that every other state except Victoria had already clamped down on tobacco outlets.

'It is time for NSW to lend a hand to smokers struggling to save their lives,' he said.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) also urged the NSW government to introduce licensing regulations.

AMA NSW president Brian Owler said this 'would more effectively support people to quit smoking, promote health in socially disadvantaged and remote areas and prevent young people being exposed to and taking up smoking'.

Prof Owler said the 2009 NSW Smoking and Health Survey - which found 91 per cent of adults, and 88 per cent of smokers, would support tobacco retailer licensing - showed the community is ready. Enditem