Retailers not to blame for cigarettes without pictorial warnings - GRTU

The GRTU is leading a defence team against the prosecution of several of its members who were found selling cigarettes without the pictorial warnings that entered into force back in April 2011.

Yesterday the retailers were summoned to appear in court.

The GRTU is saying the new law relates only to importers and manufacturers of the products when placing their stock on the market.

"Earlier this year however, officials from the Health Department inspected several retailers who were found to have stocks of tobacco products legally purchased from the respective importers or manufacturers prior to 27 April, and these retailers have had their stocks sealed, precluding them from selling them until they were arraigned in court," the GRTU said.

The GRTU lawyers claim the actual definition of 'placing on the market' as laid down in the law is clearly referring to importers and manufacturers of cigarettes, and not to retailers.