ST.
JOHN'S, NL, July 5, 2024
/CNW/ - Small businesses across Newfoundland and Labrador are calling on the Furey Government
to stand up to Ottawa and support
local businesses as the federal government crafts new rules around
smoking cessation products.
The federal government is proposing a policy to remove nicotine
replacement therapies (NRTs) from convenience stores, limiting
their availability to consultations with pharmacists at drug
stores. This move is counterproductive to public health goals,
inhibits access to smoking cessation products, drives consumers to
black market channels, and threatens the autonomy of Newfoundland and Labrador. NRTs are strongly recommended by the
World Health Organization as a tobacco alternative.1
"This move sets a dangerous precedent for further intervention
in the affairs of Newfoundland and
Labrador. Health product sales fall under provincial
authority, and this legislation gives Ottawa unprecedented power to designate where
these products can be sold," said Mike
Hammoud, Vice President Atlantic, Convenience Industry
Council of Canada. "By heavily
restricting access to regulated smoking cessation products, the
federal government will support the sale of illegal and unregulated
black-market products. Newfoundland already has the worst contraband
tobacco problem in the country."
By granting the federal Health Minister power to dictate the
sale locations of NRTs and other products, the federal government
is creating policy that unfairly benefits big box retailers at the
expense of small businesses. These products are currently sold by
convenience retailers who have significant experience selling
age-restricted products. Making these products more difficult to
access through legal channels will further drive a thriving black
market for these products, making them more accessible to young
people.
"The federal government's proposed policy fails to address its
intended target: youth access to NRTs. Young people are primarily
purchasing these products online, meaning these reforms unfairly
target legal and trusted retailers rather than addressing the
actual source of the problem," added Hammoud.
Newfoundland and Labrador convenience retailers are trusted
members of their communities, known for selling age-gated products
responsibly, including tobacco, beer and lottery tickets. This
proposed policy blatantly disrespects local owners and
employees.
The provincial government is already considering increasing the
age of tobacco sales and limiting stores where tobacco products can
be sold, which will negatively impact local businesses. Adding
restrictions to smoking cessation products runs counter to the
province's goals.
The CICC supports additional regulations on NRTs, including
marketing restrictions, but opposes place-of-sale infringements.
These measures can effectively prevent youth access without
unfairly penalizing responsible retailers and limiting adult access
to smoking cessation products.
We urge Premier Furey to stand up for small businesses in
Newfoundland and call on the
federal government to keep smoking cessation products like NRTs
available in convenience stores.
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1 Want to quit smoking? WHO recommends these
treatments for tobacco users - National | Globalnews.ca
SOURCE Responsible Retailers, Trusted in Your Community