The Government’s fog cannon subsidy scheme has hit a major milestone, with the 500th fog cannon installed at a store in Lower Hutt on Friday.
Small Business Minister Ginny Andersen said the Government was committed to ensuring that retailers are safe and have measures to protect themselves from crime.
“To date, more than 1300 businesses have been approved to have a fog cannon installed as part of the Fog Cannon Subsidy Scheme. It is just one measure to improve safety in retail shops, but an important one to make small business owners feel safe,” she said.
In February, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment opened applications for the $4,000 subsidy. The subsidy is open to all eligible small retailers and dairies in New Zealand who want a fog cannon installed, with the subsidy paid to the provider and retailers to pay the balance.
To date 1300 retailers have been approved for the scheme the majority being dairies and bottle stores in the Auckland and Canterbury regions.
Applications have also been approved from owners of pharmacies, vape stores, jewellery stores and service stations.
“We know fog cannons can help in protecting retail shops from crime. They fill a shop with dense fog within seconds, stopping criminals from seeing what is going on and preventing further damage or theft.”
“I am pleased to see such strong uptake. I have heard good feedback from small business owners across the country, and my focus is on continuing to support these businesses and ensure that they are protected from crime,” Ms Andersen said.
