AACS CALLS OUT WA GOVERNMENT FOR SNEAKING THROUGH NEW REGULATIONS AFFECTING SMALL BUSINESSES

The Australasian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) has criticised the West Australian Government for secretly introducing new legal tobacco display regulations for retailers, which must be implemented at their own cost, under the cloak of darkness and with absolutely no consultation with industry.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Health Roger Cook has repeatedly refused to engage with the AACS, the peak body for the convenience industry in Australia whose members are most affected, despite the signage changes apparently took effect on Monday.
The changes, part of the Tobacco Products Control Amendment Regulations 2019, require all retail price boards to be reduced from 1 square metre to an A4 sheet size, while new graphic images have been prescribed for health warnings which must appear next to the price boards.
Retailers, at their own cost, are being forced to make these changes in an incredibly short timeframe or risk non-compliance with legal tobacco retailing rules.
AACS CEO Jeff Rogut says the complete lack of consultation and notification is unacceptable.
“This is another example of Governments rushing through rules having completely ignored their responsibility to consult with industry and notify those about to bear the brunt of the changes, namely small businesses like convenience stores,” Mr Rogut says.
“Convenience stores are responsible retailers which are repeatedly treated with disdain by Governments when it comes to the introduction of new regulations, especially around the sale of legal tobacco.
“These changes require new infrastructure in stores and new training for staff. These costs add up quickly, without subsidisation or opportunities for recourse.
“The changes need to be coordinated by small business owners immediately, when they should be free and empowered to focus on the operation and performance of their stores.
“The impracticality of such changes with respect to the absurdly short timeframe means a modification is needed. Small businesses have not been consulted on the changes and as such have had no time to understand let alone implement them,” he says.
Further information:
Jeff Rogut
Chief Executive Officer
Australasian Association of Convenience Stores
Ph: +61 467 873 789