Tobacco companies could soon be feeling the full force of the law if they misbehave, with proposed new penalties for companies breaking tobacco advertising laws seeing fines lifted to up to $1m.
NSW Minister for Health, John Hatzistergos, said changes under the Public Health Act 1991 will see fines for first time offenders increased from $22,000 to $660,000; and fines for a second offence increased from $44,000 to $1m.
“These changes follow the landmark prosecution of major tobacco manufacturer, Philip Morris in 2002 for breaching tobacco advertising laws by staging a ‘fashion awards’ event at Fox Studios in December 2000,” Hatzistergos said.
“The fine against the company was a paltry $9,000, while an associated promotional company, Wavesnet, was fined $15,000… That is hardly a deterrent for such huge corporations which engage in below the line marketing or other conduct which breaches tobacco advertising laws.”
“Tobacco companies are huge multinational corporations with access to massive resources to find novel ways of advertising and promoting their products,” Hatzistergos said.
“The new laws will deter big tobacco companies from sidestepping legislation, through promotions at events, concerts, night clubs etc”.
