Smokers and Retailers in the Government’s sights

Jeff Rogut
17th October 2012

So under the guise of caring for the public’s health, it appears that if reports are true, the Labor Government will slug smokers with hefty increases yet again. This will obviously improve the health of the Governments coffers but do little to improve health as it may be claimed. And then we have the introduction of plain packaging for tobacco products starting on the 1st December which no doubt this untried measure will be supported by these suggested increases in costs.

And retailers? As prices increase our customers who choose to smoke will be lured by those selling discounted tobacco products or illegally imported products.

Our store operators, their staff and customers are voters – let your politicians know what the effects of these measure will have on your business. The government has refused all requests to make the transition to plain packaging easier for retailers and a grace period for the introduction of the proposed $220,000 fines. Let your local politicians know what their actions do to your business and that your vote cannot be taken for granted. That seems to be the only language they understand.