Display ban no deterrent say retailers

Hiding tobacco products will not stub out customers smoking habits, Hawke's Bay retailers say of a law amendment that bans display of the product.

From today, retailers can be fined up to $10,000 for displaying tobacco products and smoking accessories under an amendment to the Smokefree Environments Act.

In Hawke's Bay, convenience store owners spoken to by Hawke's Bay Today said the move would only be a hassle for them, not a deterrent for smokers.

"Smoking is a addiction, once you are hooked it is very hard to give up," said Meeanee Store owner Juliet Allan. "Having a door isn't really going to discourage people from smoking."

She did not agree with such strong moves against smoking, rather than targeting other social issues.

"Smoking doesn't cause people to commit crime. We have more trouble with alcohol than we do with cigarettes."

Another retailer said the change would only frustrate customers.

"Customers are often in a rush to get to work, having to open or pull open a door will only take up more time."

However, anti-tobacco lobby group Ash spokesman Michael Colhoun said the effects would be seen in future generations.

"A lot of research has gone into this decision," he said. "We have found children are most likely to remember product brands and think that the products are easy to purchase.

"People will probably not notice the societal effect straight away, but people will soon realise the health benefits."

He said shop owners also needed to consider the security benefits of the change.

"Not having tobacco products on display will reduce the likelihood of shop workers being the victims of robberies."

Other retailers did not fully understand the legislative change.

Owners of the Cornwall Park Corner Store said it had not been "well explained". "I am unsure about the rules especially when it comes to re-stocking our shelves," the owner said.

"Smoking is an addiction. People will just cut back on food if they want to smoke. Increasing the price and hiding cigarette branding is not going to stop people from smoking."

Ahuriri Corner Store owner Winston Chang said this change could also cost jobs. "Cigarette sales are one-third of my profit. It will definitely make business a lot more difficult for me if people can't see what they are getting."