Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Bill banning tobacco display introduced

Updated at 11:15 pm on 7 December 2010

Legislation to ban the display of tobacco products in shops has been introduced to Parliament.

The Smoke-free Environments (Removing Tobacco Displays) Amendment Bill would introduce instant fines for those caught selling tobacco products to people under the age of 18.

The explanatory note to the bill says the display of tobacco products in shops normalises their availability and can trigger relapses in addicted smokers trying to quit.

The prohibition would come into force six months after the bill became law, but there may be a two-year transition period for some retailers.

Smoke-free Enforcement Officers would be able to issue instant fines of up to $2000 to those caught selling tobacco products to people under the age of 18.

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