Editorial: Tobacco best out of sight

From Monday this week, it has been illegal for shop owners to have tobacco products visible to members of the public.

As a smoker myself, who has tried many times to kick the habit, I support the move.

The change is a result of last year's amendments to the Smoke-free Environments Act which make it illegal to have tobacco products visible to members of the public, either inside or outside their premises, or use any retail or trading name signifying that tobacco products are available for sale.

Tobacco retailers will have a responsibility to ensure they meet the requirements of the Act. Those who do not may face prosecution and a fine of up to $10,000.

Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia, who is behind the ban, has said the law change will remove the loophole of tobacco displays.

Retail displays, positioned alongside everyday confectionary and sweets, were a key component of making cigarettes attractive to recruit young smokers, she said.

Tobacco companies have said they do not expect any major impact on sales, based on experience in other countries.

This month an Imperial Tobacco spokeswoman said display bans overseas had led to an initial drop in sales, but after consumers adjusted to the changes there was "no real impact". While the move might not see a major drop in sales initially, it will, in my view, have an impact over the long term.

Taking away the tobacco displays behind the shop counters means young people will not have to look at lines of cigarette packets when they walk into a shop.

"Out of sight, out of mind," as they say.

In my view, anything that stops young people from taking their first puff of a cigarette has to be a positive step.

I've managed to quit for short periods of time, but have always ended up back at the shop asking for another packet.

Any smoker who's tried to give up will tell you that one of the hardest things about giving up is walking into a shop and seeing the tobacco products you crave sitting behind the counter.

Hopefully this law change will also make it easier for people to give up smoking in the future.