ACS

ACS has welcomed research published today that shows a drop in youth smoking rates and has repeated calls to stop the tobacco display ban.

In the study of over 1,000 16 and 17 year olds, published in the journal Addiction, it was found that smoking rates had declined by 7 per cent since 2007, co-inciding with the increase in the legal age to buy tobacco from 16 to 18.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “We did not oppose the increase in the legal age for buying tobacco because we felt it could help tackle youth smoking. By contrast, there is no evidence that a display ban would have this effect.

"This evidence shows that there are other genuinely effective ways of continuing the trend of decline in youth smoking. Contrast these figures with Canada - where a display ban is in place and where youth smoking is on the increase in some provinces. Retailers should not be picking up the bill for a measure that will not reduce youth smoking.”

“The proposed display ban is a costly and disruptive measure for local shops. The Government must act to stop this misguided legislation and focus on the real causes of youth smoking. Retailers can make their voice heard through our national Stop the Tobacco Display Ban campaign."

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. More information on ACS’ Stop the Display Ban campaign can be found at www.acs.org.uk/stopthedisplayban