THE General Manager (GM) of Solomon Islands Tobacco Company (SITCO) who allegedly breached the Tobacco Act will return to the Honiara Magistrate Court on March 3 for breaching the Tobacco Control Act 2024.
That is when the court will make directions as to his plea.
John Darren Corby faces one count of Restriction on Advertisement of Tobacco Product, contrary to section 4 of the Tobacco Control Act 2010.
He appeared in court last week and his matter was further adjourned to March.
Corby’s lawyer Silverio Lepe of Sol-Law made an application to vary Corby’s bail condition to allow him to travel to Australia for a week for a work meeting next month.
The application was granted by Magistrate Emily Zazariko Vagibule Pakoa.
It’s not the first time Corby’s bail condition has been varied.
In December last year, Mr Lepe submitted a travel schedule to the court, outlining dates for Corby’s employment-related trips to Australia.
Corby’s bail was varied last month, allowing him to travel to Australia for a work-related meeting.
The allegation against Corby stem from a production launch event held by Solomon Islands Tobacco Company Limited at Cowboy’s Grill Bar and Restaurant, Kukum, Honiara on 31 August 2024.
The event introduced the company’s new product, Pall Mall Blast and was attended by various business agents and representatives.
During the launch, it was alleged that the company officers made a presentation and promotional staff conducted promotional activities, including a detailed slide presentation and video footage highlighting key features of the Pall Mall Blast.
The presentation focused on the unique qualities of Pall Mall Blast, particularly its berry menthol flavour capsule, which distinguishes it from other tobacco products in the market.
The presentation included an overview of the product’s development and explained what sets it apart from the company’s other offerings.
Some attendees recorded video footage of the presentation, which captured the detailed promotion of the Pall Mall Blast.
The video also showed the setting of the launch event, including promotional materials such as banners and promotional cigarette boxes displaying the new brand package inside the restaurant.
The Tobacco Control Act 2010 prohibits advertising or promotion any tobacco product.
On 10 December, Corby was invited to attend at the NCID Rove Police Head Quarters, where the allegations were put to him and was subsequently charged.
Public Prosecutor Jonathan Auga is prosecuting this case.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
