Lack of Evidence to Support a Tobacco Display Ban
7 July 2009
Commenting on the launch of the ASH Scotland campaign “Pride of Place”, John Drummond, Chief Executive of the Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) said,
“Our members support the Scottish Government’s objective of reducing youth smoking. However, any regulations which incur a cost must be supported by sound and compelling evidence. Earlier this year, John Key, Prime Minister of New Zealand, ruled out banning the display of tobacco due to the lack of international evidence in support of this measure.
“SGF are concerned that the impact of a display ban will have a disproportionate and damaging effect on small shops. Currently it is very difficult to estimate the level of costs and upheaval involved as the Government has not provided any detailed proposals. If a refurbishment of a shop is required this would cost the convenience store industry millions of pounds.
“If the Scottish Government wanted to tackle this issue in a serious manner rather than primarily focussing on retailers to reduce youth smoking they would ensure adequate resources were available to target the shocking level of tobacco available on the black market and make it an offence for adults to provide tobacco to under-18 year olds.”
Scottish Grocers Federation