The State Government’s proposed new anti-smoking measures have drawn rave reviews from the local Cancer Council and a mixed response from Mudgee regional residents.

Anti-smoking proposals contained in a discussion paper released last week by Premier Morris Iemma include removing cigarettes from customers’ line of sight, banning all cigarette vending machines and outlawing smoking in cars with children.

The idea is to reduce children’s exposure and access to cigarettes and tobacco products.

The Cancer Council NSW Western Region branch is backing the State Government’s strong plans to protect kids from exposure to tobacco.

Regional manager of the Cancer Council NSWs western regional branch, Ruth Fagan, called them “important steps forward in our efforts to reduce the harm caused to young people through continual cigarette promotion.”

She said their research shows overwhelming support from parents and the wider community for tighter regulations.

“We particularly support the proposals to remove cigarettes from open displays in shops and license tobacco retailers,” she said.

She said she is urging the government to pass the measures as soon as possible.

Locally, licensee of the Waratah Hotel, Ross Julius said “the only one that would have any implication here is the one about the vending machines. It won’t really have any affect on us.”

Woolworths liquor manager, Lee Morrissey said “It’s a good idea to stop smokers.”

Hotelier Paul Osseweyer of the Paragon said he already keeps his tobacco products out of sight.

“I agree with all the restrictions,” he said “as I do all of them already anyway.”

Protecting children from tobacco discussion paper proposes:

A ban on smoking in cars with children

Moving tobacco products out of sight in retail outlets

A new licensing scheme for tobacco retailers, with deregistration for retailers caught selling to minors

Additional proof of age requirements for buying tobacco products

Restrictions on employees under 18 selling tobacco products

Limiting tobacco to one point-of-sale in retail outlets

A ban on tobacco vending machines and

A ban on tobacco products in shopper loyalty programs