Government decision forces $50m costs onto retailers

The New Zealand Association of Convenience Stores (NZACS) today said that the Government's decision to introduce a retail display ban on tobacco will do little to stop smoking but will force over $50million in costs onto the struggling retail sector.

Responding to the announcement by Hon Tariana Turia that the Government is removing retail tobacco displays NZACS Chairman Roger Bull said, "this is a completely unwelcome move against retailers who are now faced with not only trying to find thousands of dollars to pay for forced changes to their stores, but face increased threats and abuse as they look for hidden tobacco products."

"NZACS has consistently said that the evidence does not support the introduction of retail display bans, hence the reason why Sweden and Demark recently rejected the idea. The UK Government is also reviewing the previous government's decision to introduce a ban due to the significant impact the ban has had on UK retailers."

"New Zealand retailers now face greater threats of abuse, robbery and aggravated assault as they are forced to hunt for tobacco that makes up to 40% of their sales," said Mr Bull.

"The Minister's announcement today also sends a clear message that retailer concerns are sadly being ignored by this Government. Customers also face increased transaction times and customer inconvenience, all for a measure that has failed to deliver any measurable reduction in smoking, Mr Bull said.

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