Australia''s Cancer Council Applauds NZ over Plain-packaging

Source from:  Newstalk  12/18/2013

Health advocates say the benefits of plain packaging tobacco in Australia will be replicated in New Zealand.

New Zealand will consider introducing legislation early next year to require all tobacco products to be in plain packaging.

Director of advocacy at Cancer Council Australia, Paul Grogan, says since legislation was passed in Australia, people say they've been put off smoking - and the same thing will happen in New Zealand.

"The only people saying that plain packaging has not had an effect have been tobacco companies. So I think that just adds to the evidence base showing it is effective."

Mr Grogan says the aim of the move is to turn off smokers - and the research suggests that's exactly what's happening.

"The aim of the initiative was to reduce the negative health impacts of smoking so in that context we're seeing it being really encouraging."

He says since plain packaging was introduced, there's also been a noticeable increase in people calling Quitline.

New Zealand politicians are being urged to consider the negative impacts of plain packaging for tobacco.

The Australasian Association of Convenience Stores is reiterating its opposition to the policy in light of what it calls 'signifcant impacts' since legislation was introduced in Australia.

CEO Jeff Rogut says all the concerns the industry had prior to it being introduced across the Tasman 12 months ago, have come to fruition.

"Certainly from the retailers' point of view no impact in terms of sales at this point. Changing mix, where people are downgrading to the value and sub-value brands and the huge spike in the illicit tobacco that's been seen."

Mr Rogut says the legislation encourages black market trade while undermining financial stability of small businesses which responsibly sell a legal product.

Opponents of plain packaging legislation for tobacco say the concept is driving up the illicit tobacco trade.

Mr Rogut says it's hard to quantify, but reports through the media and through Government sources suggest a huge spike in illicit tobacco sales.

"To the point where one particular brand, which looks for all intents and purposes like a normal branded cigarette, it's a totally illicit product, has achieved somewhere around about two percent of the market."

He says that impacts on retailers and takes away any revenue the Government would have received from excise taxes. Enditem