The Service Station Association is supporting the Alliance of Australian Retailers (AAR) fight against the Federal Government’s proposal to introduce plain packaging for tobacco products. The SSA joined the AAR because we believe plain packaging will hurt independent service station owners.

The Federal Government proposes that all tobacco products be sold in plain packets from 2012. This will mean all cigarette packets will look the same. While the government claims that this plan will help smokers quit or prevent people from taking up smoking, they have provided no real evidence that it have any impact on smoking rates in the community.

We know that it will make service stations less convenient. If the Government takes away the ability to serve customers quickly our members will lose their advantage over large supermarkets.

The Government hasn’t thought through the effects of plain packaging on small retailers.

If you want more information on the Alliance’s activities to help protect your business please visit their website www.australianretailers.com.au or phone the AAR on 1800 188 629.