AAP General News (Australia)
04-04-2006
NSW: Tougher fines flagged to curb tobacco advertising
SYDNEY, April 4 AAP - Penalties for breaching tobacco advertising laws will be substantially
increased in NSW, with repeat offenders facing fines of up to $1 million.
The changes to the Public Health Act were flagged today by NSW Health Minister John Hatzistergos.
They aim to deter tobacco companies from sidestepping legislation preventing tobacco
advertising through the sponsorship of concerts and events often aimed at young people.
Fines for first time offenders will be increased from $22,000 to $660,000, with second
offences attracting fines from $44,000 to $1 million.
Mr Hatzistergos said the changes were made partly in response to the "paltry" fines
against tobacco manufacturer Philip Morris in 2002 after it breached tobacco advertising
laws by staging a fashion awards event in Sydney.
"The fine against the company was a paltry $9,000, while an associated promotional
company, Wavesnet, was fined $15,000," Mr Hatzistergos said in a statement.
"That is hardly a deterrent for such huge corporations...
"The new laws will deter big tobacco companies from sidestepping legislation, through
promotional events, concerts and nightclubs."
In other proposed amendments to the Act, selling tobacco from cars, trailers, stalls
or market stands will also be banned.
AAP ab/hn/drp/nf
KEYWORD: TOBACCO
2006 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
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