British American Tobacco has told an inquiry into the impact of smoking on Maori, that adults should be able to make an informed choice about the habit.

The Maori Affairs Committee inquiry has been told that products need to be made more difficult to get hold of and is meeting in Auckland this week to hear submissions.

British American Tobacco's general manager Graeme Amey faced tough questions from MPs, but stood by his argument.

"Prohibition won't work and if people choose to smoke and want to smoke products, they'll gain access to it."

Mr Amey says banning smoking will only grow the illicit tobacco trade and banning tobacco retail displays won't lower smoking rates.

"We want to get market share. That's our business. Having our products on display makes our products available to adults who choose to smoke and want to make a choice . It gives them a point of difference."

Mr Amey says the Government could consider toughening laws around the sale of tobacco to youth by retailers.

Tobacco Control Research Centre director Dr Marewa Glover says the idea that adults can choose whether to smoke or not is a pack of lies.

"Nicotine is highly addictive and people do not have freedom of choice."

Dr Glover says the sale of tobacco products should be banned.