Tobacco
Have Your Say on Tobacco Restrictions
ACS has set out its case to Government against a tobacco display ban and in favour of action that will lead to significant reductions in youth smoking. ACS has estimated that the cost of complying with a display ban will be in the region of £252 million for the convenience sector. We also explain why the evidence doesn’t show that a ban would be effective. See ACS’ full response to the consultation at the bottom of this page.
ACS has called on Government to take clear and decisive action to tackle the illegal trade, including providing proper resources to Trading Standards and Police to target the street sellers that blight communities, coupled with strong penalties.
ACS is also calling on Ministers to make the supply of tobacco by an adult to an under-18. It’s immoral and it should be illegal.
Pro Forma Email
You can choose to use your own words, or copy and paste the text below when emailing the Consultation:
Dear Minister
I am writing in opposition to Government plans to ban tobacco displays. A ban will require me to undertake significant re-organisation to my shop and this will cost me a significant amount. It will also bring other operational challenges that will slow down my staff and increase the risks of theft. These costs are ones that I will struggle to be able to afford. My concern above all else is that there is no evidence from other academics or countries where the ban is already in place that these changes will reduce youth smoking.
I urge you to consider the areas where much more action is needed urgently to prevent youth access to tobacco. The multi-billion pound illegal trade in smuggled tobacco is a key route of supply to young people. Those people trading on the street in my community, and all others round the country operate outside the law and face no obvious sanction of deterrent. Taking action in this area will make a significant and immediate difference.
I also believe that it is wholly wrong that adults that knowingly give tobacco to young people are a serious threat to the objective of reducing youth smoking. Government has to show leadership and make it clear that giving tobacco to those underage is immoral. To do this it has to be made illegal.
In these two areas Government has a real opportunity to take a step forward in preventing youth access to tobacco. A ban on tobacco displays will not make that difference. I urge you not to impose this burden on my business.
To make your voice heard click here to email the Consultation.
Click below to download the full ACS submission and the executive summary: