Cancer Society calls for ban on cigarette displays

The Cancer Society of New Zealand, together with supporting organisations, is calling for a total ban on the display of cigarettes and other tobacco products in petrol stations, shops and other retail outlets where cigarettes are sold.

Here are the pros and cons of the debate:

Cigarette displays are not the same as advertising

Tobacco companies see point-of-sale display as a key advertising tool, with one cigarette company stating that their displays makes cigarettes “more visible on the shelf… more chance of grabbing the attention of the consumer and of being purchased.” A major problem is indeed that tobacco is seen as “normal” by children – because of displays.

Tobacco is legal; display bans will restrict people from buying cigarettes

Banning displays will not stop people buying cigarettes, it will stop the cigarette companies from marketing them to the public. Many other legal products, such as 60% of pharmaceuticals, are kept behind the counter.

Display restrictions will be financially harmful to retailers

A complete ban would ensure a level playing field amongst retailers. Other product manufacturers, such as confectioners, currently pay retailers for premium display locations and could be expected to compete for the prime locations currently monopolised by tobacco companies.