SALE OF TOBACCO.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19268, 24 March 1928, Page 14

SALE OF TOBACCO.

SMALL SHOPKEEPERS' POSITION. hardship from new law

Many small shopkeepers in Christchurch and surrounding suburbs arc- of the opinoin that they will be hit hard by the new law regulating the sale of tobacco .and cigarettes by shops other than tobacconists. In the North Island arrangements are being made lor the hearing of local applications lor exemption from the closing hour provisions, and it is probable that some representation will be made by Christchurch shopkeepers. The general opinion is that great hardship will be imposed on the small traders and if the Act is enforced it will mean that some will have to closij down if they are not permitted to sell tobacco. They consider that the side-line is a very valuable asset and one man told a reporter yesterday that he had to keep open to all hours to make a profit on his fruit and confectionery. If because he sold tobacco and cigarettes in the day time he had to close his shop at the same hour as tbe tobacconists he would lose half his custom.

The president ,of the New Zealand Small Shopkeepers' Association, Mr D. J. Kenny, of Auckland, has been in Wellington in connexion with the. operation of the new law, and the opinion was expressed locally that a visit to Christchurch to arrange for the hearing of applications for exemption would be of benefit to .the small shopkeepers.

As far as was ascertainable yesterday no definite move has yet b/o.u made by the small traders of Christ church.