PHOTO: Composite image from screenshots
Unmasking the Truth Behind the ‘Save Our Stores’ Campaign: Tobacco Companies’ Hidden Backing for Smokefree Initiative Repeal
Ads have surfaced on Facebook urging people to support a petition titled “Save Our Stores,” seemingly aiming to protect local shops from a smoke-free initiative. At first glance, it appears to be a grassroots effort initiated by dairy owners, with one Lower Hutt dairy owner named Bhavesh featured as the driving force behind the campaign. However, closer inspection reveals that the website is “proudly supported” by major tobacco companies, BAT (British American Tobacco) New Zealand and Imperial Brands. The website’s privacy policy also discloses that it is “provided” by these tobacco companies.
Real Estate Agent Allegedly Blackmails Athlete with Sex Tape | USA
The campaign encourages dairy owners to participate by displaying posters in their stores, warning about the threat of closure and featuring a QR code leading to the campaign website. The tobacco companies declined interviews but stated they were backing the campaign to support small convenience store owners facing challenges due to the Smokefree 2025 laws, which aim to reduce the number of stores selling full-strength tobacco.
The campaign’s Facebook ads present various messages, including claims that the new laws could empower gangs, increase ram raids, and suggest tobacco taxes fund an exaggerated number of police officers. However, critics argue that tobacco companies’ support for such campaigns contradicts their claims of promoting less harmful products and working towards a smoke-free world.
Four of the 14 advertisements the Save our Stores campaign is running across Facebook and Instagram. Photo: Composite image from screenshots
University of Otago Health Professor Janet Hoek criticized the campaign for using misleading statistics and fear tactics. She pointed out that only a small percentage of New Zealanders still smoke daily, and the tobacco industry’s claims are based on questionable research.
Some independent dairy owners do share concerns about potential revenue losses due to the smoke-free initiative, but prominent advocacy groups, including ASH NZ, caution against aligning with tobacco companies’ campaigns. They argue that these tactics have been used in the past to undermine public health measures.
Jeff Bezos Readies Extensive Prenup to Safeguard His $138 Billion Fortune
In summary, the ‘Save Our Stores’ campaign, which appears to be a grassroots effort, is revealed to have significant backing from tobacco companies. Critics raise concerns about the use of fear tactics and misleading information in an attempt to undermine the smoke-free initiative.
SOURCE: RNZ