TOBACCO industry representatives say they support regulation on cigarette sales but will urge Legislative Councillors against backing a generational smoking ban. Imperial Tobacco Australia spokespeople Andrew Gregson and Rachel Elliott will this morning brief MLCs on a proposal to block cigarette sales to all Tasmanians born this century. Anyone born after the year 2000 would be barred from buying tobacco when they turn 18, under a private member's bill tabled by Windermere independent MLC Ivan Dean. Mr Dean's proposal has broad support from Tasmania's medical, dental and public health organisations and widespread public endorsement. Most MLCs have backed the intention of the bill, but questioned the practicality of enforcing the ban. Mr Gregson said tobacco prohibition would not work. "We've always supported sensible, practical and rational regulation, but this isn't any of those," he said. Mr Gregson said tobacco was an adult product bought by individuals exercising freedom of choice. "We sell only to adult consumers and will never support selling or advertising tobacco to children," he said. "The supply of tobacco products to minors is quite rightly illegal. Anybody underage should not be using tobacco products, full stop." Mr Gregson warned the ban would increasingly push cigarette sales into illegal markets. Smoke Free Generation's Jon Berrick returned to Tasmania yesterday to discuss the proposal with government and opposition MPs. Professor Berrick said his proposal was well received in what were constructive meetings. However, none of the major parties have publicly declared support for the bill. The bill will be debated in the upper house next Tuesday.
TOBACCO industry representatives say they support regulation on cigarette sales but will urge Legislative Councillors against backing a generational smoking ban.
Imperial Tobacco Australia spokespeople Andrew Gregson and Rachel Elliott will this morning brief MLCs on a proposal to block cigarette sales to all Tasmanians born this century.
Anyone born after the year 2000 would be barred from buying tobacco when they turn 18, under a private member's bill tabled by Windermere independent MLC Ivan Dean.
Mr Dean's proposal has broad support from Tasmania's medical, dental and public health organisations and widespread public endorsement.
Most MLCs have backed the intention of the bill, but questioned the practicality of enforcing the ban.
Mr Gregson said tobacco prohibition would not work.
"We've always supported sensible, practical and rational regulation, but this isn't any of those," he said.
Mr Gregson said tobacco was an adult product bought by individuals exercising freedom of choice.
"We sell only to adult consumers and will never support selling or advertising tobacco to children," he said.
"The supply of tobacco products to minors is quite rightly illegal. Anybody underage should not be using tobacco products, full stop."
Mr Gregson warned the ban would increasingly push cigarette sales into illegal markets.
Smoke Free Generation's Jon Berrick returned to Tasmania yesterday to discuss the proposal with government and opposition MPs.
Professor Berrick said his proposal was well received in what were constructive meetings.
However, none of the major parties have publicly declared support for the bill. The bill will be debated in the upper house next Tuesday.
