Health and Community Services
May 15, 2009Tobacco
Powerwalls Coming Down Throughout the Province
The Provincial Government is taking a proactive step
forward in encouraging a healthy, smoke-free Newfoundland and Labrador.
Legislation to amend the Tobacco Control Act has been introduced
in the House of Assembly focusing on the elimination of powerwalls.
Powerwalls are large displays of tobacco products behind counters in
retail stores.
"Smoking is the number one cause of preventable death
across Canada and is a major contributor of serious chronic diseases
including cancer, emphysema and lung disease," said the Honourable Ross
Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services. "This legislation
supports our government�s commitment to promote a tobacco-free culture
and reduce the rate of smoking in Newfoundland and Labrador to help keep
our people healthy."
The proposed amendments, which take effect on January
1, 2010, include:
Banning the display and promotion of tobacco
products at retail locations;
Regulating the storage of tobacco and tobacco
products so they are not visible to the public;
Expanding the current list of prohibited
locations where tobacco products can be sold to include health and
recreational facilities; and
Restricting signs indicating availability and
price of tobacco products both inside and outside the retail
location.
Studies show that the more children and youth are
exposed to tobacco advertising and promotions, the more likely they are
to smoke. As well, in-store advertising materials may increase how much
a person smokes, reduce smokers� resolve to quit and encourage former
smokers to start smoking again.
"A ban on powerwalls will have a very positive impact
on reducing smoking rates in this province. Most importantly, it will
help support efforts being made to prevent youth from starting to smoke
in the first place," said Gary Milley, Chair of the Board of Directors
for the Alliance for the Control of Tobacco. "We have been advocating
for a ban on powerwalls, and are thrilled to see this legislation
introduced."
"Tobacco powerwalls exist behind store counters and
act as a last venue for tobacco advertisers," said Minister Wiseman. "By
banning powerwalls, we are removing this type of point-of-purchase
advertising. This is an important step in preventing youth from starting
to smoke and to assist those who are trying to quit."
Consultations with tobacco retailers regarding
proposed amendments to the Tobacco Control Act, including how
such changes would be implemented, took place last fall.
An information package outlining the changes and new
display and promotion requirements will be mailed to retailers in the
coming weeks. Information will also be made available on the Department
of Health and Community Service�s website at
www.gov.nl.ca/health.
The elimination of powerwalls is a further step by the
Provincial Government to advance the health and well-being of residents
of the province and it complements the goals of the Provincial Tobacco
Reduction Strategy, which aims to prevent people from starting to smoke
and to encourage and support smokers to quit.
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