ACS

ACS has today launched a nationwide retailer campaign to Stop the Tobacco Display Ban.

The postcard campaign encourages retailers to lobby Health Secretary Andrew Lansley to overturn the costly legislation which would force retailers to cover their tobacco displays. The Coalition Government is currently discussing whether to revoke the legislation.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “The Tobacco Display Ban is a policy which will significantly impact all local retailers. Businesses will be forced to pay significant sums to comply with the legislation which could cost the sector up to £40million.

“While the primary justification for the display ban is to discourage youth smoking, there is strong evidence from countries that have already implemented the ban which shows that it does not impact on youth smoking rates.”

”In opposition, both the Conservatives Party and the Liberal Democrats recognised this lack of evidence and supported retailer’s calls to scrap the measure. They now need to take action.”

Postcards for retailers to send to the Health Secretary will be appearing in Cash & Carry depots across England from next week. Retailers will also be able to download the materials from the ACS website.

Contacts:

James Lowman, Chief Executive
01252 515001

Chris Noice, Communications Assistant
01252 533013

Notes to Editors:

1. ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) is the voice of local shops, representing over 33,500 convenience stores. ACS helps local shops thrive through lobbying, support and networking opportunities.
2. The materials can be downloaded at www.acs.org.uk/stopthedisplayban