Consultation Document Released (December 2007)

On 3rd December 2007 the Ministry of Health released a Consultation document on the Future of Tobacco Displays 

Submissions Closed (February 2008)

The Cancer Society and ASH worked to encourage our supporters to make a submission on this important issue. The Cancer Society advocated for:

• A complete ban on the visual display of any tobacco products or imagery in retail outlets, with tobacco products required to be kept in closed containers/cupboards under the counter. 
• A ban on the payment of tobacco slotting fees to retailers.
• A limit of one POP location selling tobacco per shop.
• The in-store display of large (minimum one metre squared) graphic/pictorial health warnings at the POP with the Quitline telephone number.
• The implementation of a self-funding Tobacco Retailer Licensing Scheme (TRLS) which requires retailers to attend annual training. Breaches in relevant regulations should result in the loss of licenses and therein the ability to sell tobacco products

Analysis of Submissions Released (June 2008)

On Friday 27 June the Ministry of Health released the analysis of the consultation on tobacco displays. A total of 557 submissions were received by the Ministry of Health with 453 submissions - more than 80 per cent - in favour of a total ban on tobacco displays in shops. Associate Health Minister Damien O'Connor stated in media reports that he would take the feedback to Cabinet in the next two months.

Current situation (November 2008)

The Cancer Society is now encouraging its supporters to write to their local MPs calling on Parliament to protect our children from tobacco displays and support a ban on tobacco displays.