ACS

Following yesterday’s Second Reading of the Health Bill in the House of Commons, ACS has called on all the Government to give its backbenchers a free vote on whether to introduce a display ban on tobacco. The Conservative Shadow Health Spokesman, Andrew Lansley, announced in yesterday’s debate that his party would be allowing his MPs a free vote, while the Liberal Democrats have consistently stated that MPs will have a free vote on this issue.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “With each debate it becomes clearer that the Government is basing its case for a display ban on flimsy evidence. There is no analysis of the discreet impact of a tobacco display ban which points to this measure reducing youth smoking, with the Government still relying on evidence of the impact of a host of in-store marketing activity that is already banned in the UK. Yet the costs to retailers are clear, with the Government’s own view that a display ban will cost an average of £1000 per store – with some paying much more.

“We believe that MPs should be able to exercise their judgment on the merits of the evidence. Conservatives and Liberal Democrats are free to make up their minds – so should Government backbenchers be. Ministers should not railroad this issue.”

The Health Bill, which includes a clause to introduce a display ban, will be debated in Committee next week, with a vote of the whole House of Commons likely before the end of June.

Mr Lowman continued: “Retailers can still make a difference by writing to their MP stating the simple case that our sector has been making throughout this debate: that there is no evidence for the benefits of a display ban, yet the costs to retailers would be significant. A free vote would allow MPs to weigh up these arguments.”

Help in writing to MPs is available at www.acs.org.uk or by calling Jenny Brown or Helen Davies on 01252 515001.

In yesterday’s debate, new Health Secretary Andy Burnham confirmed that the Government would not introduce the ban in small stores until 2013. A number of MPs pointed out the costs of the new proposals for retailers.

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. An Analysis of the Second Reading is available from ACS – contact Nina Collins to request a copy.

3. ACS’ original submission to the Department of Health regarding a display ban is available here.