HIDDEN COST OF THE TOBACCO DISPLAY BAN
September 17, 2009 11:37 AM
"It has been brought to my attention," says Nick Harvey "that the Government's controversial tobacco display ban is likely to have unwelcome hidden costs for local shop keepers.
"My concern is that it could damage local small shops by boosting the competitive advantage of large supermarkets.
"Due to come before parliament next month, the display ban is part of the health bill. From 2011 and 2013 supermarkets and small shops respectively will be banned from publicly displaying cigarettes.
"The Health Minister claimed in the Lords earlier this year that it should cost shops as little as £120 to install sliding door cabinets in order to screen tobacco products.
"This is refuted by the Association of Convenience Stores which claims it could cost stores up to £5,000. For smaller newsagents this will be a harsh price to pay for stocking cigarettes.
"Point of sale bans in other countries do show a decline in teenage smoking, it is unfortunate though that small shopkeepers have to be penalised to achieve this goal.
"This does rather seem a case of shooting the messenger. Far more needs to be done to tackle the problem of tobacco smuggling. According to some estimates, over 20% of cigarettes and 50% of rolling tobacco consumed in the UK has not had duty paid on it and therefore did not come via retail outlets."
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