ACS

ACS has reiterated their call for Welsh Government to review the decision to implement a tobacco display ban. The Welsh Assembly Government has been consulting on the draft regulations on how the ban will be implemented in Wales, with a view to introduce a ban October 2011 for large retailers and October 2013 for small retailers.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “The evidence to support a ban on tobacco display simply is not there. Indeed the latest figures from Canada, which has had the display ban in place for many years, has shown an increase in youth smoking rates. Ireland, where the ban was introduced last year, has also seen an increase in smoking rates.”

“Introducing a display ban will cost Welsh retailers a significant amount of money and the evidence shows it will not be effective. Government need to use this opportunity to rethink the ban.”

Contacts
Shane Brennan, Public Affairs Director
07921 372978/ 01252 533009

Chris Noice, Communications Assistant
01252 533013

Notes to Editors

1. The latest Health Canada survey has shown a 2% increase in youth smoking
2. Evidence from the European Commission shows that there has been an increase of 2% (from 29 to 31%) in the number of smokers in Ireland

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hc-ps/tobac-tabac/research-recherche/stat/_survey-sondage_2008-2009/result-eng.php
http://ec.europa.eu/ireland/press_office/news_of_the_day/eurobarometer-smoking_en.htm