ACS

ACS has pledged to continue its campaign for common sense on the tobacco display ban. The amendment to remove the ban on tobacco display was defeated in the House of Lords by a margin of 204 to 110. The vote, which was unusually subjected to a three line whip, had been hotly debated with a number of concerns raised among Peers of all parties.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Our focus is on making the case to MPs that the cost of the display ban, imposed on retailers at the worst possible time, is being pushed through in the face of weak evidence that it will make a difference to youth smoking.

“It is disappointing that the cost of the ban has been so inaccurately and confusingly communicated to MPs over recent months. The briefings from Government have downplayed the likely costs of the measure and this has portrayed an inaccurate picture of the cost and disruption that retailers will face to implement this law. It is important that in the next phase of debate there is greater clarity about the costs.”

The Bill will have its Third Reading in the House of Lords on 12th May before passing to the House of Commons where MPs will be asked to consider the issue. ACS has been urging retailers to make their voice heard to their local MP as part of its campaigning activity which now enters a critical phase.

James Lowman said: “Retailers have a real opportunity to tell MPs about the disruption that they face. We are confident that MPs will listen to the grass roots opinions and weigh the regulatory costs against the sketchy evidence of impact on youth smoking. If they do they will conclude that a display ban is a distraction from achieving the important smoking reduction objectives.”

Contacts:

Shane Brennan Public Affairs Director
01252 515001/ 07921 372 978

Nina Collins Communications Coordinator
01252 515001

Michael Saxton/ Grappa PR
Julie Kirby 020 7602 9222

Notes to Editors:

1. ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) is the voice of local shops, representing over 33,000 convenience stores. ACS helps local shops thrive through lobbying, support and networking opportunities.
2. Click here to read the ACS submission to the Future of Tobacco Control.