(1888PressRelease)
October 27, 2009 - As it is known Australia has already legislated against tobacco displays in shops, and it is recognized as one of the last remaining forms of tobacco advertisement.
Seeing cigarettes for sale increases the probability of a person to tart smoking within a four hour period by more than 25 percent, researchers showed in a recent study.
Researchers from Macquarie University, led by Associate Professor Suzan Burton, examined the factors that lead to smokers relapsing. They found that cigarettes displays are a major obstacle for smokers trying to kick the habit.
Professor Burton explained: "Tobacco displays at point of purchase are a key reason that smokers attempting to quit are unsuccessful. Even if the person doesn’t actually buy a packet of cigarettes, they are still 25 percent more likely to smoke within any four hour period if they see a tobacco display."
Researchers also suggested that people who are trying to quit are particularly likely to be influenced to smoke and to buy cigarettes after seeing them displayed within the first month of quitting.
It is well known that shops are the most common place for people to buy cigarettes. But people who are trying to quit smoking and lighter smokers are more likely than regular smokers to buy cigarettes while out in pubs and clubs. This is due to the fact that they can see the cigarettes for sale, see other people smoking and are usually drinking alcohol, factors that join to create a very defiance situation for a recent quitter.
Cancer Council Australia Chief Executive Officer, Professor Ian Olver, said point-of-sale displays of tobacco products were one of the last remaining forms of tobacco advertising and it was critical that they were removed.
"Currently the ACT, NSW, Tasmania and Victoria have all legislated to end tobacco displays in shops, with the legislation varying slightly from state to state," Professor Olver said. For example Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland are all making moves toward implementing a ban, but South Australia is yet to show its support for the measure.
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