Smokes screens
Retailers must conceal cigarettes as of Aug. 15
The walls of cigarettes commonly seen behind the counters of gas stations and convenience stores are going up in smoke. Healthy Living Minister Theresa Oswald said yesterday the Manitoba government will begin enforcing legislation Aug. 15 that will ban the display and promotion of cigarettes in stores where children are allowed.
That means most retailers will be forced to hide cigarettes behind curtains, in cupboards and under counters.
"We need to keep our eye on the ball here and remember this is about stopping the advertising of cigarettes in places where children dwell," Oswald said.
"There are places now where we have candy and toys in the same place as cigarettes."
Marvin Miller, owner of the Mohawk gas station on south Osborne Street, said the law likely won't stop people from smoking --but there's little that can be done to fight the government crackdown at this point.
"Those in control can do what they want to," Miller said. "They can mandate and legislate all they can. It's unfortunate it's happening to a business where the rules are already strict."
Under the so-called "hide-your-smokes" law, advertising the price of cigarettes outside of any store -- whether on a billboard or other type of sign -- will be prohibited.
Strict rules
Retailers will be allowed to advertise cigarette prices inside, but there are strict rules as to how this can be done if children are allowed on the premises.
For example, the maximum allowable size of a sign is 150 square inches, according to provincial regulations released yesterday.
Signs can only consist of black lettering on a white background. Italics, underlining or bolding of any words is outlawed.
Retailers are limited to one tobacco-related sign per till, to a maximum of three signs per store.
Despite the strict guidelines, Oswald said smoke police won't be running around with rulers measuring the size of signs.
"I haven't really captured that image in my imagination," Oswald said.
Shannon Martin, spokesman for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, said this latest crackdown is just another added cost of doing business in Manitoba.
"If there's one thing this government likes doing is putting financial and regulatory roadblocks in front of businesses," Martin said.
Murray Gibson, executive director of the Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance, said tobacco displays can encourage kids to smoke. Removing promotions will cut back on under-age puffing, he predicted.
"It's going to take time, but it will have that effect," Gibson said.
The "hide-your-smokes" legislation was introduced in 2002 and proclaimed into law on Jan. 1 of this year. The Supreme Court of Canada recently upheld a similar law in Saskatchewan, giving Manitoba the green light to enforce its ban.
Fines for scofflaws will range from $3,000 to $15,000.
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