Tobacco ad restrictions could cost millions
The Association of Convenience Stores estimates that a ban on tobacco displays could cost the convenience industry up to £252m. Meanwhile, retailers in Scotland fear the Scottish Government's Smoking Prevention Action Plan could result in problems.
The equipment needed to replace current displays and hide tobacco products from consumers' view could cost individual retailers between £1,850 and £4,985, according to the ACS. The figure could be more if the potential loss of trade during the changeover is considered.
"Changing tobacco displays will bring significant and damaging costs to convenience stores," says ACS Chief Executive James Lowman. "We have still not seen convincing evidence that a ban would have the desired effect on underage smoking. If the costs are high and the benefits not clear then the Government should not press ahead."
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A ban on displaying tobacco products in stores is being proposed by the Department of Health as part of a strategy to deter young people from taking up smoking.
The ACS has collated evidence from other countries where a display ban is already in place, showing that in some cases a ban on displays has resulted in an increased rate of smoking in young people.
In Scotland plans could include a display ban, a licensing scheme and ban on the sale of packets of 10 cigarettes. "People do not buy packs of 10s because they are cheaper but because it enables them to control their consumption. Forcing smokers to buy a packet of 20 means they are likely to smoke more," says Scottish Grocers Federation chief executive John Drummond.
