The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Bill has only a few days left for submissions. The Dairy and Business Owners Association urges members to make written submissions as the threat to their industry grows.
"The submission builder is there for the public to get behind their local dairies and retailers and oppose elements of the Bill. The deadline is August 24. I strongly encourage supporters to submit something, as it is much harder for politicians to ignore voices from real people," said Sunny Kaushal, Dairy and Business Owners Association Chair.
The Bill was introduced on 21 June this year and looked to significantly limit the number of retailers allowed to sell smoked tobacco products. It aims to make smoke tobacco products less appealing and addictive and prevent young people from taking up smoking.
The association agrees that while a smoke-free generation makes sense, the slashing and burning of dairies, service stations and other small businesses, alongside the introduction of low nicotine tobacco, will be the biggest gift to gangs. They have said the forced closure of stores in the industry would push vulnerable people to the black market.
With crime already a major threat to the survival of dairy and small business owners, this Bill may destroy what is currently a financial lifeline.
"Though we support the intent of Smokefree 2025 and the Smokefree Generation, there are other aspects of the Bill we consider wrong. We need it to be contested and awareness created."
Public submissions in favour of dairies and small business owners are open until Wednesday, 24 August and can be made online at www.savedairies.nz
