Blank packs closer

Plain packaging for cigarettes has taken another step towards reality, despite suggestions manufacturers and retailers should be given more time to sell old stock.

The Smoke-free Environments (Tobacco Plain Packaging) Amendment Bill is heading to its third and final reading at Parliament, after passing the committee stage by 108 votes to 13 yesterday.

The law will make it illegal for tobacco companies to print any branding on cigarette boxes, allowing only the name in small plain type with graphic warnings about the risks of smoking.

NZ First MP Barbara Stewart accused the Government of rushing through the change, saying the transition period for retailers and manufacturers to replace their old stocks should be extended from 12 weeks to six months.

She said that while the bill was introduced three years ago, a date had not been set for the law change.

Labour MP Chris Hipkins showed less sympathy for business owners.

He said the burden and cost of the plain packaging bill would fall on the tobacco industry.

‘‘It is an industry entirely without conscience and entirely without any moral compass.

‘‘This is an industry that sets out to kill its customers.’’

Hipkins said businesses had known about the law change since 2013 and ‘‘had plenty of time to prepare’’.