14 Dec 2022

Tobacco company argues gangs won with new anti-smoking legislation

From Morning Report, 7:55 am on 14 December 2022

A tobacco company is arguing gangs have won with an anti-smoking bill passing its third reading.

The law will reduce the amount of nicotine allowed in tobacco products, limit the number of retailers selling them, and ensure no-one born after January 2009 is allowed to buy them.

But the world's fourth largest tabacco producer says fewer cigarettes being sold in store will put thousands of dairies out of business and increase the number of gangs selling them illicitly.

Imperial Brands spokesperson John Mitchell spoke to Kim Hill.