SYDNEY—Bans on smoking in cars carrying children and new restrictions on cigarette displays at shop counters are among reforms being considered by the NSW government.
NSW Assistant Health Minister (Cancer) Verity Firth says the reform package includes tougher rules for the registration and licensing of tobacco retailers and a broad review of tobacco marketing and gimmicks.
Ms Firth said today the reform package would go out for public comment and a forum would be held for stakeholders to contribute their views.
"Smoking increases the risk of many cancers, with one in five cancer deaths caused by smoking," she told reporters.
"We need to help the generation of young people beat this scourge, reducing exposure to the marketing of cigarettes and the temptation of a habit that will lead to an addiction that can cut years off their lives."
Ms Firth said retailers would be consulted about plans to keep the visual lure of cigarettes away from children in their local shops.
"This is supported by eight out of 10 community members surveyed by the Cancer Institute NSW as part of a three-year survey on attitudes to smoking."
The reform proposals will be posted on the Department of Health website for two months for public comment.
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