Complaint from Woolworths shopper about anti-smoking poster at supermarket service counter sparks discussion
![Complaint from Woolworths shopper about anti-smoking poster at supermarket service counter sparks discussion](https://aws.wideinfo.org/mixblog.com.au/2022/06/e4cfedce7afee6a9affd5b6fce0a141794a7ddf8-16x9-x0y0w5760h3240-850x560.jpg)
A Woolworths customer’s complaint about an anti-smoking poster at the service counter of her local store has sparked a debate on social media.
The Melbourne shopper, who shared on Facebook, wondered if it was appropriate to post the graphic warning in front of the low supermarket counter where children might be able to see it.
A photo posted by the customer showed a large black-and-white anti-smoking poster advising customers that “low-tar cigarettes also kill,” as well as Quitline’s phone number.
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Below the poster is another warning showing an aggressive image of a foot with advanced gangrene alongside the words “Smoking causes peripheral vascular disease.”
In her post, the Woolies customer said the poster could “scar” children if they saw it.
“Putting the anti-smoking ads in children’s eyes is a great idea,” she wrote.
The customer wondered if it was appropriate for the anti-smoking graphic poster to be visible to children. Credit: Facebook
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“A gangrenous foot is excellent; it may encourage them to seek a career in medicine.
“Either that or they scar for life, one of two.”
The post sparked debate, with a Facebook user explaining that Woolworths complied with strict tobacco display regulations.
She also suggested that it may not be bad that children are exposed to warnings about smoking.
‘Educate your children.’
“Not their problem. Tobacco licensing laws require these signs to be placed next to the price sign,” the user said.
“Maybe use it as a way to raise your kids.”
However, the shopper responded to the comment, saying showing children such an image was extreme.
“If you’re right about the placement, maybe the gangrene photo could be placed directly above the price list on the counter,” she replied.
“That’s how the tobacco buyer could see it and the child couldn’t.
In 2010, then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced plans to introduce new laws mandating plain packaging for cigarettes and other tobacco products. Credit: TRACEY NEARMY/AAPIMAGE
“And if you think the photo of a gangrenous foot would be educational for children, then with all due respect, you must have stones in your head.”
The Facebook user once again insisted that Woolworths was not at fault and that the poster’s placement was by legal requirements.
“Again. It’s tobacco rules. They MUST be in line with the price sign,” she said.
“If you have a problem with it, you might want to take it up with tobacco licensing in Australia.”
All Australian states and territories have restrictions and controls on point-of-sale advertising and the display of tobacco in shops.
These regulations often go beyond what is stipulated in the Tobacco Advertising Prohibition Act of 1992.
Some states require a health warning near a tobacco price list. There are also strict rules about how price lists can be shown to customers.
Victorian law requires a black-and-white health warning and smoking cessation sign to be displayed at the entrance to the shop or the tobacco display.