Newfoundland small business owners are upset with a new federal policy restricting the sale of nicotine alternatives, such as pouches, to pharmacies.
The proposed changes, which keep the products out of convenience stores, have sparked concerns about public health, economic impacts, and provincial autonomy, say retailers.
In a press release, local retailers argue that the federal government’s plan to limit product sales to drugstores could undermine public health efforts by making it harder for smokers to access cessation aids.
They warn that this restriction might inadvertently push consumers towards the black market, where products are unregulated and potentially harmful.
Critics of the policy emphasize that the regulation sets a troubling precedent by allowing federal authorities to dictate sales locations of health products, traditionally a provincial jurisdiction.
“This move sets a dangerous precedent for further intervention in the affairs of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Mike Hammoud, Atlantic vice president of the Convenience Industry Council of Canada.
Economic implications are also a significant concern. The policy appears to benefit large retailers at the expense of small businesses that have long been trusted to sell age-restricted products responsibly.
Convenience store owners worry that losing the ability to sell the products will hurt their businesses and the local economy.
Additionally, the convenience store association pointed out that the federal policy misses its mark on preventing youth access to pouches and other products.
Young people primarily obtain these products online, meaning the policy unfairly targets compliant retailers rather than addressing the real issue of online sales.
Newfoundland and Labrador’s government is already contemplating stricter tobacco regulations, including raising the legal age for tobacco purchases and limiting sale locations.
Business owners fear that combined with the federal restrictions, these measures will further strain local stores.
The retail group advocates for increased regulation on marketing to prevent youth access but opposes the proposed sales restrictions. They are calling on Newfoundland Premier Andrew Furey to oppose the measures.
