12 February 2014

Media release – Select Committee Office

Smoke-free Environments (Tobacco Plain Packaging) Amendment Bill

Public submissions are being invited on this bill. The closing date for submissions is Friday, 28 March 2014.

This Bill gives effect to the Government’s decision of 18 February 2013 to introduce a plain packaging regime for tobacco products in New Zealand.

The specific objectives of the legislation are to—

• reduce the appeal of tobacco products and smoking, particularly for young people:

• further reduce any wider social acceptance and approval of smoking and tobacco products:

• increase the noticeability and effectiveness of mandated health warning messages and images:

• reduce the likelihood that consumers might acquire false perceptions about the harms caused by tobacco products

A copy of the bill can be purchased at any Bennetts Government Bookshop or viewed online at www.legislation.govt.nz

Submissions should be forwarded by the due date, either online using our website (www.parliament.nz) or in writing to the address below. If a submitter wishes to appear before the committee, they need to state this clearly and provide a name, daytime phone number and email address. Submissions generally become public and are published on our website. For further guidance on making a submission, read our publication Making a submission to a Parliamentary Select Committee on our website or contact us at 04 817 9520.

Address for correspondence: Health Committee, Parliament Buildings, WELLINGTON 6160.

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