Big changes in store for retailers | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua
Big changes in store for retailers
A checkout operator with the new stands limiting the display of cigarettes. PICTURE: T ROBINSON (301104tr18)
By ALISON BROWN in Rotorua
Strict new rules governing the display of tobacco and cigarettes have forced retailers to make changes in their stores.
Under new smokefree laws all retailers selling cigarettes, including dairies, supermarkets and service stations, will be limited to displaying a maximum of 100 packets from December 10.
Many retailers across the region have already taken steps to comply with the law change, by either moving or covering stock with purpose-built covers supplied by tobacco companies.
Those spoken to by The Daily Post say the new rules are "reasonably easy" to follow, with tobacco companies going out of their way to make sure retailers have screens, covers and shelving that comply.
But some customers are unhappy with the law changes, saying restrictions on displays have gone over the top.
A Rotorua woman who did not want to be identified said the new rules had stiffened her resolve to keep smoking.
"I'm pretty outraged by it. I can cope with not being able to smoke in bars, but I think anyone buying a product should be able to see what they're purchasing."
Rotorua Pak'N Save owner Neil Foster said he had not heard any criticism of the new covered smoking displays at his supermarket. A bigger concern for him was how to accommodate the needs of staff who smoked while complying with the law.
Pak'N Save has a dedicated room for smokers, regularly used during lunch and tea breaks. But from December 10, "smoko" rooms in nearly all workplaces will be banned and employees will have to go outside.
Mr Foster said he had been procrastinating about how to deal with the new law. Having employees, especially those who worked with food, smoking in front of the supermarket, would not be a good look.
He was also concerned about staff being forced to walk through the supermarket to get to the front, while carrying hot drinks and cigarettes. Other supermarkets around the country were building balconies off their "smoko" rooms. Mr Foster said it was an option but would need up to nine months of planning.
Read about smokers quitting in droves in today's Daily Post
Strict new rules governing the display of tobacco and cigarettes have forced retailers to make changes in their stores.
Under new smokefree laws all retailers selling cigarettes, including dairies, supermarkets and service stations, will be limited to displaying a maximum of 100 packets from December 10.
Many retailers across the region have already taken steps to comply with the law change, by either moving or covering stock with purpose-built covers supplied by tobacco companies.
Those spoken to by The Daily Post say the new rules are "reasonably easy" to follow, with tobacco companies going out of their way to make sure retailers have screens, covers and shelving that comply.
But some customers are unhappy with the law changes, saying restrictions on displays have gone over the top.
A Rotorua woman who did not want to be identified said the new rules had stiffened her resolve to keep smoking.
"I'm pretty outraged by it. I can cope with not being able to smoke in bars, but I think anyone buying a product should be able to see what they're purchasing."
Rotorua Pak'N Save owner Neil Foster said he had not heard any criticism of the new covered smoking displays at his supermarket. A bigger concern for him was how to accommodate the needs of staff who smoked while complying with the law.
Pak'N Save has a dedicated room for smokers, regularly used during lunch and tea breaks. But from December 10, "smoko" rooms in nearly all workplaces will be banned and employees will have to go outside.
Mr Foster said he had been procrastinating about how to deal with the new law. Having employees, especially those who worked with food, smoking in front of the supermarket, would not be a good look.
He was also concerned about staff being forced to walk through the supermarket to get to the front, while carrying hot drinks and cigarettes. Other supermarkets around the country were building balconies off their "smoko" rooms. Mr Foster said it was an option but would need up to nine months of planning.
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