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Tobacco display ban welcome but more reforms needed
31 December 2010.
The 2011 tobacco display ban is an important step in reducing smoking rates but the Baillieu Government must implement further reforms to de-normalise smoking and reduce the harmful effects of second hand smoke, according to AMA Victoria.
From 1 January 2011 tobacco retailers will be required to keep cigarettes and other tobacco products completely out of view from consumers both inside and outside the shop. The ban also includes advertising and signage, except for government-produced signs advising that cigarettes are sold in the shop.
"Banning retail tobacco display and point of sale advertising will help current smokers quit and assist recent quitters in avoiding relapse," said AMA Victoria President Dr Harry Hemley. "We also expect that having cigarettes out of sight will reduce tobacco use by young people."
But despite the tobacco display ban, Dr Hemley said Victoria was falling behind other states in tobacco reform and needed to introduce some tough measures in 2011.
"The effects of second hand smoke are well known," he said. "The Baillieu Government should ban smoking in communal spaces such as outdoor dining areas, shopping strips, sports ovals and on hospital grounds," he said.
"Cigarette smoke can cause eye and nose irritation and in the longer term can lead to heart disease and lung cancer. Those who choose to dine outdoors, watch sporting games, shop or take a stroll in hospital grounds should not be subjected to second hand smoke.
"A ban on smoking in communal outdoor areas would strengthen the message to the community that smoking is no longer viewed as normal, but is an unnecessary and unhealthy habit.
"Victoria’s smoke-free dining legislation came into effect in 2001, then smoking was banned in pubs and clubs in 2007. It’s now time for Victoria to take the next step and ban smoking in communal outdoor areas."
Queensland banned smoking in all commercial outdoor eating and drinking areas in 2006 and Western Australia followed in 2010.
Dr Hemley said smoking was still the largest preventable cause of death and disease in Australia. "In order to reduce the disease, disability and premature death caused by smoking, we need to reduce the number of individuals who smoke."
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