Outlawing tobacco displays is sensible

Palmerston North's new Member of Parliament, Iain Lees-Galloway, is set to take centre stage in the country's great smoking debate.

Mr Galloway, who is Labour's associate health spokesman, has submitted a Private Member's Bill that would outlaw tobacco displays in stores. When the bill is drawn from the ballot and put on Parliament's agenda is anyone's guess but, if the letters to the editor on this page are any indicator, it is sure to spark strong public discussion.

Those opposed to the bill will characterise it as yet another attack on an individual's freedom of choice, while those backing a ban on tobacco displays will say it's a helpful tool in preventing young people taking up smoking, and will assist those trying to quit.

Like previous debates on regulatory restrictions on smoking, the discourse will be heated and divisive. That's disappointing, because the desired outcomes of the opposing sides are by no means mutually exclusive.

It's difficult to see how Mr Lees-Galloway's proposal would impinge on a smokers right to purchase tobacco if they so chose. While chairman of Association of Convenience Stores Roger Bull contends there is "no evidence" to demonstrate moving the displays out of sight will make any difference, common sense suggests otherwise. Why does Mr Bull think tobacco companies demand their products be displayed so prominently in the first place? Is it because the tobacco companies have gathered plenty of their own evidence telling them the more prominently they are displayed, the more they will sell perhaps?

Mr Bull says the costs to retailers in moving the displays will see more smokers buying tobacco at supermarkets and put small corner shops out of business. What his rationale for such a dramatic prediction is isn't entirely clear, but it sounds strikingly similar to fears expressed that banning smoking in bars would put small pubs and clubs out of business. Did that happen? Of course not.

An individual's right to smoke should never be usurped by the state, however demonstrably unwise that choice is. At the same time, however, individuals who choose to smoke must accept that the social cost of smoking is massive and borne by everyone.

The Government is right to discourage people from taking up the habit, and assist those trying to kick it, however it can. Mr Lees-Galloway's plan is a reasonable measure to take to help reduce the harm caused by tobacco products, while preserving one's freedom to choose to light up if they so desire. And what's so contentious about that? Palmerston North race car driver Brendon Hartley is going to be a star. The 19-year-old was yesterday named as the reserve driver for two formula one teams a huge feat for any driver, let alone one so young. He's done the region proud.

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