Latest news with #Camel
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
The viral doll and the vape epidemic plaguing Sydney's inner west
Labubu Stop & Shop also sells illegal vapes for $30. The helpful staff offered a free test-taste, inside the store, to ensure the vape worked. Inner-west locals have complained about the proliferation of the vapes, and illegal cigarettes, which no authority in Australia is capable of stopping, even as underworld gangs move into the market. 'We nearly got rid of the scourge of people smoking and ruining our local streets, but now you can get these Chinese fruit whistles and illegal cigarettes for next to nothing,' one business owner said, speaking anonymously for fear of being targeted. The NSW and federal governments have locked horns this year over who should police the tide of illegal tobacco and vapes and which levers can be pulled to stem its spread, such as the federal taxes which account for $28 of a $40 pack of cigarettes. In June, Premier Chris Minns warned the NSW Police it may need to step up enforcement, a duty it shares with NSW Health. Loading However, police pushed back, telling the Herald it would divert 500 officers away from more serious investigations such as domestic violence and organised crime. Inner West Council Mayor Darcy Byrne wants to stop the spread of smoke shops and said the current laws were 'toothless'. 'I had to ask my kids what a Labubu was. To find out that on Marrickville Road there's a depiction of this kids' toy holding a packet of Camel cigarettes and, down the street, another shop with Mario and Luigi smoking cigars, it's just absurd,' Byrne told the Herald. 'We thought we broke the back of advertising tobacco to children 40 years ago. The NRL is no longer playing the Winfield Cup, Rothmans isn't sponsoring motorsport. 'But the lack of attention to this problem has allowed it to sneak back in, and now it's more mainstream, more prevalent.' Despite being mayor, Byrne learns about new tobacconists only when walking the streets because the shops do not need to put in a development application (DA) to open. 'We don't even have a register of how businesses like this exist in the inner west because the legislation doesn't even allow that – that means we can't trace who the business owners are,' Byrne said. Byrne lobbied the state government to tighten the DA loophole last year so tobacconists would need to submit to the same tests as bottle shops, addressing community impact and objections. But the push hit a dead end in state parliament. New laws tabled by the Minns government do not include any that would allow councils to intervene in the planning process. 'If we had five or six bottle shops opening in one shopping strip, there would, quite rightly, be an outcry and it's rightly illegal,' Byrne said. Inner West council dispatched rangers to the Labubu and Mario-themed shops on Tuesday ordering them to remove the signs. But that is the extent of their powers, Byrne said. 'We can't shut them down and, even if we could, another tobacconist could open next door or around the corner tomorrow,' Byrne said. Loading 'I strongly agree with the legislation the NSW government has tabled to crack down on sales, but if we don't do something serious about policing and inspection then legislation has no teeth.' Elsewhere in Sydney, Pittwater's federal independent MP Jacqui Scruby highlighted what she calls the 'blatant targeting of children'. She cited a Bilgola Plateau shop that opened 500 metres from a primary school that displayed lollies at the entrance and sold under-the-counter cigarettes. 'A resident in Mona Vale also wrote to me about a tobacconist opposite the local primary school who is running Facebook ads. When a concerned parent questioned the owner about the proximity of the store to children, the response received was, 'That's what we call being strategic',' Scruby said. Scruby has made six submissions to the current parliamentary inquiry into illegal tobacco, including mandatory buffer zones around schools, childcare centres and playgrounds, and targeted youth education campaigns.
The Age
2 days ago
- Business
- The Age
The viral doll and the vape epidemic plaguing Sydney's inner west
Labubu Stop & Shop also sells illegal vapes for $30. The helpful staff offered a free test-taste, inside the store, to ensure the vape worked. Inner-west locals have complained about the proliferation of the vapes, and illegal cigarettes, which no authority in Australia is capable of stopping, even as underworld gangs move into the market. 'We nearly got rid of the scourge of people smoking and ruining our local streets, but now you can get these Chinese fruit whistles and illegal cigarettes for next to nothing,' one business owner said, speaking anonymously for fear of being targeted. The NSW and federal governments have locked horns this year over who should police the tide of illegal tobacco and vapes and which levers can be pulled to stem its spread, such as the federal taxes which account for $28 of a $40 pack of cigarettes. In June, Premier Chris Minns warned the NSW Police it may need to step up enforcement, a duty it shares with NSW Health. Loading However, police pushed back, telling the Herald it would divert 500 officers away from more serious investigations such as domestic violence and organised crime. Inner West Council Mayor Darcy Byrne wants to stop the spread of smoke shops and said the current laws were 'toothless'. 'I had to ask my kids what a Labubu was. To find out that on Marrickville Road there's a depiction of this kids' toy holding a packet of Camel cigarettes and, down the street, another shop with Mario and Luigi smoking cigars, it's just absurd,' Byrne told the Herald. 'We thought we broke the back of advertising tobacco to children 40 years ago. The NRL is no longer playing the Winfield Cup, Rothmans isn't sponsoring motorsport. 'But the lack of attention to this problem has allowed it to sneak back in, and now it's more mainstream, more prevalent.' Despite being mayor, Byrne learns about new tobacconists only when walking the streets because the shops do not need to put in a development application (DA) to open. 'We don't even have a register of how businesses like this exist in the inner west because the legislation doesn't even allow that – that means we can't trace who the business owners are,' Byrne said. Byrne lobbied the state government to tighten the DA loophole last year so tobacconists would need to submit to the same tests as bottle shops, addressing community impact and objections. But the push hit a dead end in state parliament. New laws tabled by the Minns government do not include any that would allow councils to intervene in the planning process. 'If we had five or six bottle shops opening in one shopping strip, there would, quite rightly, be an outcry and it's rightly illegal,' Byrne said. Inner West council dispatched rangers to the Labubu and Mario-themed shops on Tuesday ordering them to remove the signs. But that is the extent of their powers, Byrne said. 'We can't shut them down and, even if we could, another tobacconist could open next door or around the corner tomorrow,' Byrne said. Loading 'I strongly agree with the legislation the NSW government has tabled to crack down on sales, but if we don't do something serious about policing and inspection then legislation has no teeth.' Elsewhere in Sydney, Pittwater's federal independent MP Jacqui Scruby highlighted what she calls the 'blatant targeting of children'. She cited a Bilgola Plateau shop that opened 500 metres from a primary school that displayed lollies at the entrance and sold under-the-counter cigarettes. 'A resident in Mona Vale also wrote to me about a tobacconist opposite the local primary school who is running Facebook ads. When a concerned parent questioned the owner about the proximity of the store to children, the response received was, 'That's what we call being strategic',' Scruby said. Scruby has made six submissions to the current parliamentary inquiry into illegal tobacco, including mandatory buffer zones around schools, childcare centres and playgrounds, and targeted youth education campaigns.
Daily Mirror
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Land Rover unveils new 1980s classic style 4x4 but there's one big catch
Many of the original Land Rover competition vehicles from the iconic Camel Trophy events, which ran from 1981 to 2000, are still on the road today and going strong Land Rover has launched a beast of a car that retro fans will love - but the brand-spanking new model comes with one significant drawback. Paying tribute to a legendary design from the 1980s, celebrated for its extraordinary off-road performance in some of the world 's toughest environments, Land Rover has unveiled a new Defender Trophy Edition. It is an homage to the Camel Trophy vehicles from 40 years ago, complete with matching accessories and a retro livery. The Camel Trophy itself began in 1980, originally featuring three German teams driving Jeeps across the Amazon Basin. Described as 'neither a race nor a rally' by Iain Chapman, the event's director for over a decade, the Camel Trophy was an off-roading expedition where participating teams tested their 4x4 driving and mechanical skills, endurance, courage, stamina, perseverance and resilience against some of the most challenging natural conditions on the planet. After the inaugural event, organisers partnered with Land Rover and secured primary sponsorship from tobacco company Camel, giving the event its iconic name. Over the next twenty years, the competition took place in challenging locations such as Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia, Madagascar, Samoa, Siberia, Malaysia, and many other demanding terrains. Throughout the event's history, a wide range of Land Rover vehicles participated — Range Rover, Land Rover Series III, Land Rover 90, Land Rover 110, Land Rover Defender, Land Rover Discovery and Freelander. All of which were painted in the distinctive 'Sandglow' yellow associated with the Camel brand. This signature colour is one of two livery options available for the new Defender Trophy Edition, which will make its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which takes place from Thursday, July 10 to Sunday, July 13. However, there is a significant catch with this luxury retro revival model — the price. The new Trophy Edition is offered exclusively as the mid-size, five-door Defender 110, featuring unique 20-inch alloy wheels and a choice between the aforementioned Deep Sandglow Yellow — evoking the Camel Trophy heritage — or Keswick Green. Both versions include the option of a contrasting black bonnet, wheel arches, roof and black leather interior. For those seeking even more authenticity, Land Rover offers a Trophy Edition accessory pack for £4,995. This features a roof rack, retractable roof ladder (for easier access to roof-mounted gear), air-intake snorkel (for water crossings) and classic-style mud flaps, as well as gloss black side panniers providing 'extra space for muddy, wet or sandy items'you would rather not store in the boot. Land Rover said the Trophy Edition, which omits the Camel name for advertising reasons, is a celebration of the brand's 'rich history of adventure challenges', noting that the classic yellow vehicles are 'synonymous with Defenders used on international Trophy-style events'. The price for the Trophy Edition starts at £89,810, a notable increase over the £62,795 base for a standard Defender 110. While the Trophy Edition's price is steep, it is only half the cost of a similar commemorative model produced by Land Rover Classic in 2021. That limited run included just 25 examples of the old Defender, each inspired by the Camel Trophy and featuring period-correct liveries and modifications. Despite a price tag of £195,000 per car, the Works V8 Trophy line sold out in just three days, prompting Land Rover to build another 25 units to meet demand. And it's worth noting — many of the original competition Land Rovers from Camel Trophy events, which ran from 1981 to 2000, are still on the road today and going strong.
Daily Mail
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Land Rover launches new model paying homage to 1980s classic 4X4 - and it's not cheap
Land Rover has unveiled a special-edition Defender to pay homage to a classic model that proved the incredible off-road capabilities of the British 4X4s in the 1980s by racing across some of the world's most gruelling terrains. New 'Trophy Edition' cars get accessories and a retro livery to match the Camel Trophy vehicles from some 40 years ago. The Camel Trophy was an off-roading competition that originated in 1980 with three Jeep-equipped German teams racing across the Amazon Basin. After that first event, organisers turned to Land Rover for support and the tobacco company, Camel, for primary sponsorship, hence the name. Races took place across various locations, including Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia, Madagascar, Samoa, Siberia, Malaysia and a host of other testing landscapes. Over the course of 20 years, all types of Land Rover cars were provided for the annual adventure challenge - Range Rover, Land Rover Series III, Land Rover 90, Land Rover 110, Land Rover Defender, Land Rover Discovery and Freelander - with all vehicles appearing in the famous cigarette brand's distinctive 'Sandglow' colour scheme. And this is one of two livery options for the new Defender Trophy Edition, which makes its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed next month. But it isn't going to be cheap... The new special edition model is only available as the mid-size, five-door, Defender 110. It features unique 20-inch alloy wheels and a choice of Camel Trophy-appropriate Deep Sandglow Yellow - or Keswick Green paint. Both options come with contrasting black bonnet, wheel arches and roof – and a black leather interior. The dashboard panel is painted to match the tone of the car's bodywork. Customers can also opt for a Trophy Edition accessory pack, which costs £4,995 and bolts on a roof rack, retractable roof ladder to make it easier to access objects stored overhead, an air-intake snorkel to tackle water-logged routes, and classic-style mud flaps. The pack even includes gloss black side panniers that provide 'extra space for muddy, wet or sandy items' you don't want to store in the boot. All versions of the new special edition car - which costs from £89,810 - come with black leather interior with accents to match the external bodywork Land Rover says Trophy Edition - which has dropped the 'Camel' name for obvious advertising reasons - celebrates the 'rich history of adventure challenges', adding that the iconic yellow vehicles of the past are 'synonymous with Defenders used on international Trophy-style events'. Without the optional accessory pack, prices start from £89,810 - a mark-up on the £62,795 asking price for a standard Defender 110. Britons will get to see it in the flesh for the first time at Goodwood during the Festival of Speed event taking place between 10 and 13 July. While it does come with a premium price tag, it's half the cost of the commemorative version produced by Land Rover Classic in 2021. The heritage arm of the British car firm made 25 examples of the old-school Defender inspired by the Camel Trophy, with liveries and modifications mimicking those of the expedition vehicles. Despite an eye-watering price tag of £195,000 per car, Land Rover sold out of the Works V8 Trophy line in three days. Consequently, the Classic department commissioned another 25 models to appease its high demand. And many of the original competition cars used in the event between 1981 and the final year in 2000 are still on the road today. Some competitors purchased their vehicles, meaning there are examples dotted across continents and, consequently, are highly sought after if proven to have covered genuine Camel Trophy miles. In March, Iconic Auctioneers sold a 1992 Defender 110 Camel Trophy - which participated in 1993 - for £34,875. This was despite it being in a rather sorry state of disrepair. Last year, Collecting Cars sold another genuine 1984 Camel Trophy Defender in far better condition for £31,500. However, experts say these cars are ripe for appreciation, with collectors eager to find ex-competition cars. In the 20-year history of the event, a UK team won it only once. In 1989, brothers Bob and Joe Ives took first place after tackling the 1,062-mile route through the Brazilian rainforest from Alta Floresta to Manaus in just three weeks driving a Defender 110. In recognition of their achievement, the brothers were awarded the Royal Automobile Club Segrave Trophy - an award reserved for outstanding transport achievements that has includes esteemed recipients such as Sir Stirling Moss, Sir Lewis Hamilton MBE and John Blashford-Snell OBE. The brothers went on to be off-road advisors for BBC's Top Gear and The Grand Tour special features on Amazon Prime.
Toronto Sun
18-06-2025
- Business
- Toronto Sun
Tobacco firm Reynolds rolls back DEI plans after activist attack
Published Jun 18, 2025 • 2 minute read A Reynolds American Inc. Camel brand cigarette. Photo by Daniel Acker / Bloomberg Reynolds American Inc., the 150-year-old maker of Camel cigarettes and Vuse vapes, said it is rolling back U.S. diversity, equity and inclusion programs, two weeks after anti-DEI crusader Robby Starbuck singled out the company for action. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Reynolds, which was purchased by London-listed British American Tobacco Plc in 2017, will cease participation in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index which measures LGBTQ workplace practices, end sponsorship of Pride events, and end affirmative action programs that were mandated by President Joe Biden's administration, the company said in a letter to employees Wednesday that was shared with Bloomberg. Starbuck announced the rollback on social media and the company confirmed it worked with the activist on timing and communication after he launched his attack, although it said many changes were already under consideration. 'We respect differing opinions, but we are taking these steps because they are necessary to ensure the company's and our employees' success,' David Waterfield, president and CEO of Reynolds, said in the letter. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Reynolds American owns famous tobacco brands like Camel, Newport, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, American Spirit, Grizzly & I exposed their woke policies but as a result of talks we held, they're now ENDING those policies. Specifics ⬇️ • No more Pride event donations… — Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) June 18, 2025 Reynolds is among dozens of mostly American companies that have announced plans to scale back or end DEI programs over the last year, first under pressure from activists and other conservatives and more recently President Donald Trump. The president issued a series of executive orders in January that banned DEI in the federal government and seeks to identify 'illegal DEI' in companies and organizations. The company said in the letter that it dropped affirmative action programs, other than those for veterans or disabled employees, that were in effect under the Biden administration and removed by Trump. It also said that it will end mandatory trainings that focused largely on what it called 'DEI issues' and is reviewing healthcare policies related to gender affirming care for minor dependents. It does not currently offer coverage for gender affirming surgery for minors. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The company will also end its allyship guide and instead maintain a 'focus on building a supportive workplace for all employees.' A Reynolds subsidiary gave $8.5 million to the super political action committee Make America Great Again Inc., according to federal records first reported by the Washington Post. The cigarette maker confirmed to Bloomberg that it also gave $1 million for the inauguration ball, which was attended by a company representative. Within days of starting his second term, Trump withdrew a proposed ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, boosting shares of tobacco companies. Reynolds' main manufacturing base is in Tobaccoville, North Carolina, where it has invested $200 million to increase manufacturing during 2024 and 2025. — With assistance from Sabah Meddings. NHL Columnists Editorial Cartoons Canada Basketball
