Independent Liberal Member for Alfred Cove Dr Janet Woollard today congratulated The Good Grocer for their decision to ban the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products at their store.

“I am delighted to announce what could be the first retailer in Western Australia to ban the sale of harmful cigarettes and tobacco products in their store,” said Dr Woollard.

“By going beyond merely removing cigarettes and tobacco products from point-of-sale (PoS) displays and making them unavailable for purchase, The Good Grocer has taken a significant proactive stance in the fight against the disastrous effects of smoking.”

The Good Grocer is the inaugural recipient of the ‘Promote a Smoke-Free Community’ certificate. Dr Woollard, the Australian Council on Smoking and Health, the Australian Medical Association (WA) and the Heart Foundation, presented the retailer with the certificate at their store in Applecross this morning.

The certificate has been established as a form of recognising retailers, businesses and other organisations for being responsible corporate citizens in choosing to actively create a healthy, smoke-free community.

Dr Woollard said research has shown that PoS displays normalises tobacco in the minds of children as well as having an unhealthy influence over a child’s decision to experiment with smoking, and the consolidation of their habit in early adulthood. In addition, it has been found that PoS displays have influenced impulse purchases, undermining the efforts of individuals who are trying to kick the smoking habit.

“Knowing these negative impacts of PoS displays of cigarettes and tobacco products, making cigarettes and other tobacco products unavailable for purchase becomes another layer of protection for our community from our largest and most preventable cause of death.

“Smoking kills 1,400 Western Australians alone every year, while exposure to second-hand smoke imposes economic costs on individuals, business and society as a whole in the form of direct and indirect medical costs and productivity losses,” said Dr Woollard.

“We are hoping for a future when cigarettes are not available on every street corner. The current situation suggests cigarettes and smoking are much the same as consuming bread and milk. Smoking is not a benign activity, it kills one in two who use the product as intended by the manufacturer,” said Mr Maurice Swanson, Chief Executive of the Heart Foundation.

“Many organisations are recognised for their efforts in being environmentally conscious or for contributing to the less fortunate, and we should give recognition to those who make outstanding contributions to promote health in their community,” said Dr Woollard.

Mr Greg Brindle, owner of The Good Grocer, said the retailer is proud to be involved in promoting a smoke-free community.

“The decision not to sell cigarettes is in keeping with our philosophy of working within the community to provide a shopping experience which is conscious of the environment, supports locally grown produce and promotes healthy living within the community,” said Mr Brindle.

ACOSH President, Professor Mike Daube said, “The Good Grocer is setting an example we hope many others will follow. They well deserve this recognition. Retailers should not only rely on profits from Australia’s leading cause of drug deaths. We urge other retailers to give up their addiction to sales of this lethal product.”

“The campaign against smoking over the last two decades has been driven by the passion and commitment of many individuals and organisations,” said AMA (WA) President, Professor Gary Geelhoed.

“The Good Grocer is taking the fight to a new level and we hope it inspires not only other retailers, but encourages politicians to do more to safeguard the health of the community.

“Passing Dr Woollard’s Tobacco Products Control Amendment Bill would be another big step in that direction.”

“I hope this is the first of many certificates issued to retailers who see the advantages of promoting a smoke-free community and choose not to sell cigarettes,” said Mr Brindle.

“I am looking forward to many more retailers making the bold and right decision to ban cigarette sales, and in turn presenting the certificate to them. With their support, a smoke-free WA will become a reality sooner rather than later,” said Dr Woollard.

Media enquiries:  Dr Janet Woollard on 0419 907 999 or Herni Husni on 9316 1377; Professor Mike Daube 0409 933 933; Maurice Swanson 0414 922 902; Barry Thornton (AMA WA) 0411 557 328; Greg Brindle (The Good Grocer) 0412 098 701