Govt signs off on plain packaging for tobacco products

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Govt signs off on plain packaging

3News NZ

Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia (file)

Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia (file)

The Government has this afternoon agreed to introduce legislation to implement plain packaging for tobacco products.

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia said the legislation will mean cigarette packets and pouches will have larger health warnings and be stripped of marketing imagery.

“It will remove the last vestige of glamour from smoking,” she said.

The move is another blow to big tobacco companies, who have been subjected to price rises and more prohibitive laws in past years.

Ms Turia said during consultation for plain packaging, the overall consensus was that current packaging increased the appeal of smoking, and bright colours diverted people away from warnings.

“Plain packaging will explicitly show that the product inside kills 5000 people a year,” she said.

Tobacco companies are expected to fight the decision on grounds of intellectual property.

3 News

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Comments

20/02/2013 3:45:41 p.m.

Matty wrote:

They are completely different animals. But the truth is alcohol must be abused to cause problems whereas cigarettes cause issues from just a puff a day, of even just second hand smoke. Where the body can take a pummelling from alcohol and completely recover, the damage from cigarettes is pretty much permanent (you can dispute these claims - but I'm in the medical field and have read the research). Cigarettes don't even perform a function, other than to feed the addiction. Alcohol arguably tastes good, is a fantastic social lubricant and as long as it's respected doesn't cause any issues... Alcohol is a little like driving, I that in sensible hands its enjoyable, performs a purpose and is harmless, cigarette smoking is none of those things.. it's just a pure chemical addiction. Yes alcohol is abused by some, but so are cars... We wouldn't stop the majority driving because of a minority of boy racers would we? If you want to smoke then that's fine by me, but if you're going to tell me it's a legitimate pastime then you're only kidding yourselves.

19/02/2013 6:30:13 p.m.

Mickey wrote:

Smoking should then be illegal as well. For years tobacco companies have waltzed away without telling people and even hiding in plain sight that smoking kills! I hope to see that day come!!!!

19/02/2013 5:48:09 p.m.

Kathy wrote:

@Matty the country has a binge drinking issue and alcohol is merely another drug so of course people with addiction issues come out fighting in response.. please dont take my grog away, howelse can I get away with beating my wife and children and picking up a gun or car and randomly killing someone. Ridiculous that drinkers defend their drug when it is shown that New Zelanders have a real issue with alcohol.

19/02/2013 3:16:14 p.m.

Bill wrote:

I really hope the cigarette Companies sue the crap out of this Government, maybe the bill should go to the Racist Maori Party. Wonder what these clowns would do if the USA and other countries told Fonterra that they will only sell their product in plain wrappers from now on. And Matty, what planet do you live on not to see the problems booze is creating? Or are you employed by one of these Brewers? By the way I am a non smoker, but this goes against all Trading Practices.

19/02/2013 2:56:13 p.m.

Matty wrote:

Wow! Every time there's an 'Anti-smoking' story the cavalry comes out. Sorry guys, but alcohol in moderation doesn't cause anywhere near the health costs that general smoking does, not even in the same ball park. Drinking in moderation even brings some health benefits. Whereas any level of smoking is highly detrimental, not to mention that it's highly anti-social. I agree with anything they do to limit the impressionable young from taking up this filthy habit, short of banning it, as that would take away our freedom. But packaging...?? Why does it matter so much to you lot??

19/02/2013 2:17:00 p.m.

madness wrote:

Maybe while you are at it wasting tax payers money you should put plain packaging on alcohol as well. It causes more damage than cigarettes. Also what is plain packaging going to do??? Marijuana is illegal in plain packaging and it still sells still. Packaging isn't going to change anyones choices, if they want to they want too and that is that. Just like the govt knowing the general public are against something, it doesn't stop them still doing it.

19/02/2013 2:16:47 p.m.

Mervina wrote:

When are they going to plain package alchol, pokies machine, mcdonald's, kfc or any fast food. You are wasting everyone's time and money!!!

19/02/2013 1:54:19 p.m.

joe wrote:

really... changing the packaging is not going to change anything. Its just a waste of taxpayers money.

19/02/2013 1:51:40 p.m.

maisie wrote:

Maybe if we put plain packaging on our little babies and children it might stop them been beaten and killed. For those who want to smoke plain packaging will not stop them. Education is the only way, but you have to get to everyone!!

19/02/2013 1:42:52 p.m.

Bill wrote:

And once again they bow down to this trough feeder. How much more money is this woman going to cost this country before she goes.