QLD: Govt may move to limit herbal cigarette sales

AAP General News (Australia)
04-30-1999
QLD: Govt may move to limit herbal cigarette sales

The Queensland government may legislate to ban the sale of herbal cigarettes to under 18s,
following allegations that a new product is being targeted at children.

While the government has indicated that the sale and promotion of the cigarettes is not
covered by existing laws, Premier PETER BEATTIE says changes could be considered to close the
loophole.

The Queensland Opposition and the Alcohol and Drug Foundation have both called for the
tobacco-free herbal cigarettes to be pulled from shop shelves.

Marketed under the name ECSTACY, a thoracic surgeon says they pose many of the same risks
as tobacco.

Mr BEATTIE says current legislation bans the sale of tobacco products and confectionary
cigarettes to under 18s.

He says if crown law advice is correct -- and promotion of the product is technically
outside existing legislation -- cabinet will have to consider changes to the laws.

AAP RTV jhm/sls/plr/kbw

KEYWORD: CIGARETTES (BRISBANE)

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