World News – Michael Bloomberg is really showing the intelligence of those in politics. First idea…..ban super-sized soda from being sold. Now make retailers hide tobacco products and displays. Is he going to ban the millions of dollars the tobacco industry spends each year on advertising as well?
Under New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s new plan, retailers in the city would have to keep tobacco products hidden or out of sight. The goal is to decrease the percentages of youths smoking.
The measure would make New York the first city in the nation to keep tobacco products hidden in stores.
“Under the new legislation, sellers would be required to keep tobacco products out of sight, except during a purchase by an adult consumer or during restocking: tobacco products would be required to be kept in cabinets, drawers, under the counter, behind a curtain or in any other concealed location.”
The measure will now go to the City Council.
Bloomberg’s plan was unveiled a week after a judge blocked the mayor’s effort to limit large sugary drinks, calling the measure “arbitrary and capricious.” The city is appealing that decision.
Here’s more from The New York Times about the possible opposition to the latest proposal:
“While cracking down on smoking may seem like a no-brainer given the clear link with cancer, Mr. Bloomberg’s latest proposal could meet with stiff resistance from the operators of bodegas and other small stores, where cigarettes, like bottled water and lottery tickets, account for a large percentage of sales.
“In many of these stores, cigarettes are like wallpaper, the backdrop that every customer sees when going to the register to pay, and the stores could take a significant financial hit by putting them out of sight. Stores would still be able to advertise that they sell cigarettes, and could display prices.”
What are your thoughts on this plan by Mayor Bloomberg?
