New Zealand’s largest tobacco maker will be investigated for giving free cigs to its workers. Imperial Tobacco’s trading boss Brendan Walker declared that cigs were available to office workers during their breaks at its Petone manufacturer, the Herald on Sunday argued. “It’s merely for study,” he told. The fact of the reason is we’re eager to receive the response and comments on those private manufacturing runs.”
Smoke-free law prohibits manufacturers from distributing cigarettes for free or at discount prices. Nevertheless, Mr. Walker said he is sure that Imperial Tobacco is acting within the legislation as employees could choose whether to test smoking products. “It’s completely up to an individual whether they see it as a improve or not.” He argued that there were no health special warnings on the smoking products. Hutt Valley Regional Public Health smoke-free officer Kristen Foley reported that he would seek new discussions with the tobacco company bosses next week about the test tobacco products. Last week Imperial Tobacco officially completed a $NZ45 million ($A34.80 million) upgrade to its Petone manufacturer which will quadruple its exports to Australia.
More than three billion cigs and 700 tonnes of roll-your-own tobacco products will be made at the plant and exported to Australia each year. Approximately 250 people work at the tobacco factory.