News & Comment

Imperial warns of "nanny state"

Tuesday 14th June 2011, posted by forest

Imperial Tobacco has launched a high-profile national advertising campaign in Australia to warn of the dangers of plain packaging.

The Australian government is pushing ahead with legislation to force tobacco products to be sold in generic packaging by July 2012.

Imperial’s ad campaign was unveiled at a press conference in Canberra hosted by Wayne Merrett, General Manager Australasia. The TV, radio and newspaper ads warn of ‘Nanny State’ legislation that erodes adult choice and sets a dangerous precedent for other products, such as alcohol and fast food.

Cathie Keogh, Head of Corporate Affairs Australia, said: “The Government has not properly consulted with the tobacco industry about plain packaging. It’s vital that we continue to warn of the unintended consequences of this misguided legislation.

“Plain packaging will encourage growth in illicit trade – which is bad news for everyone except, of course, those who profit from illegal tobacco sales.

“We urge the Government to talk constructively with us and abandon its ‘Nanny State’ approach which seeks to remove freedom of choice.”

A website for consumers NoNannyState has also been launched.

Source: Imperial Tobacco (14 June 2011)

Comments:

Frank
Posted on
How very nice of Imperial! Wonder where they were 4 years ago? Still, better late than never.
Schabbs
Posted on
Plain packaging is just the next step. There's been talk of a passport type system to buy tobacco, leading to an eventual ban on buying it altogether
kristi sharp
Posted on
This must stop now!!!! This has the ablity to force monolopies on us and can kill marketing as we know it in many areas of indrusty and trade.... We need to think how this will effect other industries not just tobacco although i love tobacco...but really guys this will lead to no good later... We must leave freedom of choice in the world.... thought like this one have lead to a huge portion of the mess we are in now!!! STOP THEIFT OF CHOICE!!!!
Leave a Reply



(Your email will not be publicly displayed.)

Please type the letters and numbers shown in the image.Captcha Code


Back to top

Recent posts

Share this page

Social Forest

Join the conversation online:



Friends of Forest