Limiting tobacco sales to supermarkets could cut retailers by 82%
WA researchers found that restricting tobacco to supermarkets would cut licensed retailers by 82 per cent from about 40,000 across the country.
A new study by Notre Dame Australia and Cancer Council WA looked at three ways to shrink the number of retailers selling cigarettes. Limiting sales to supermarkets alone would cut retailers by 82 per cent.
Banning sales within 500 metres of schools would reduce them by 41 per cent. Stopping petrol stations from selling tobacco would cut retailers by more than a quarter.
A separate survey of 1,100 WA residents found 70 per cent want tobacco less available or unavailable. And 81 per cent back the school-distance ban.
National smoking is at record lows of about 5.6 per cent, but tobacco remains Australia's leading cause of preventable death. It causes 24,000 deaths yearly.
All Australian states now have tobacco licensing schemes. This gives governments a practical tool to shrink the retailer network.
- 82 per cent (40,000 to 7,200)
- Retailers cut by supermarket limit
- 81 per cent
- WA public support for school ban
- 24,000
- Annual preventable deaths
- 5.6 per cent
- National smoking rate
Why it mattersFewer tobacco outlets could push quit rates higher, especially near schools where young people gather, and reduce easy access that maintains addiction.
AustraliaEvery Australian state can tighten tobacco retail licensing immediately. Research shows the public wants it done, creating political momentum for a nationwide reduction in where cigarettes are sold.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
