Anti-smoking coalition to seek ‘generic’ packs

Press, 5 April 1989, Page 9

Anti-smoking coalition to seek ‘generic’ packs

PA Wellington The Coalition Against Tobacco Advertising and Promotion says it intends to press for cigarettes to be sold in “generic” packs. It wants cigarettes sold in plain white packages with black writing and no brand names. The coalition was formed in February. It includes some of New Zealand’s biggest health organisations such as the Cancer Society, the Heart Foundation, the Public Health Association, the Nurses’ Association and the Medical Association. It also includes others, such at the Consumers’ Institute and the Maori Women’s Welfare League. It was to be formally

launched this week. This has been postponed until the Toxic Substances Board reports to the Minister of Health, Ms Helen Clark, with its recommendations for tobacco advertising and sponsorship. 1

The coalition’s initial aim was to promote the passing of by-laws and legislation to eliminate tobacco advertising and promotion originating in New Zealand. This is to help children and adolescents resist the temptation to smoke. But after a meeting last week, this was broadened to include a push for generic packaging and for health leaflets to be put in cigarette packets. A spokesman, Michael Carr-Gregg, said yesterday it was hoped generic

packaging would help break the images associated with cigarette packets. “Over 50 children a day start smoking in New Zealand and we believe the juxtaposition of brand images against healthy, enjoyable activities builds an association of smoking with glamour, athleticism and sexuality instead of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and emphysema. “This is the only way we can see of breaking that association because no matter how much we ban local advertising we are still going to get advertisements from overseas.” It was also difficult to market something packaged unattractively, he said.