The Lung Foundation Australia is calling for cigarettes to be removed from major supermarkets in an effort to reduce smoking rates and make tobacco less accessible. The proposal focuses on prevention and reducing impulse purchases, while health experts and authorities tackle the growing illegal tobacco market.
Smoking rates in Australia have dropped significantly, but public health experts say there's still more to be done. That’s why the Lung Foundation Australia is urging major supermarkets to stop selling cigarettes and tobacco products.
The move isn’t about banning smoking altogether - it’s about reducing convenience. According to the Lung Foundation, when cigarettes are less visible and harder to buy, fewer people are tempted to start, and those trying to quit are less likely to relapse.
Cigarettes are still widely available - from supermarkets to service stations and small corner stores. The Lung Foundation believes that this level of accessibility normalises smoking and makes it harder for people to give up.
Health experts agree that making cigarettes less convenient can be an effective prevention tool. It’s not about punishing current smokers, they say, but about helping future generations avoid the habit in the first place.
Concerns have been raised about whether limiting access in legal venues could push people toward illegal tobacco products. That risk isn’t being ignored. In fact, authorities recently seized over $20 million worth of illegal cigarettes and vapes in Queensland - the largest bust in the state’s history. But experts argue that people already addicted are more likely to seek illegal products, while this proposal is more about stopping new smokers before they start.
The federal government has already taken steps to combat smoking, including stricter packaging laws with graphic health warnings and inserts promoting quitting. These efforts aim to make smoking less appealing and remind people of its health risks.
Supermarkets have responded cautiously. One major chain stated it complies with current laws and supports customer choice, while another did not comment.
Former smokers say the visibility and ease of access in supermarkets can be a major trigger, especially during weak moments. Reducing that exposure, they say, could make quitting easier for many.
Quitting smoking isn’t easy - it often takes multiple attempts and support from medications, resources, and loved ones. But those who succeed say it’s worth it: better health, more energy, and even more money in the bank.
The message is simple: make smoking less convenient, and more people might leave it behind for good.
