ACS

ACS has responded to Ministerial statements about a forthcoming policy consultation on tobacco regulation. The planned consultation is expected to cover a number of further options for the Government, with those highlighted by the Minister include banning vending machines and banning the display of tobacco products in shops.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: "Taking tobacco off display would come with considerable operational and equipment costs we will be urging the Department to take these into proper account. We would expect the Government to present a clear case that these measures were necessary before placing yet another significant burden on thousands of retailers across the country."

"If the Department of Health brings forward new tobacco regulations, we will work constructively but critically to ensure that these meet their own principles of better regulation, in particular that the burdens that any measures imposed on business are proportionate and effectively targeted.

Mr Lowman also argued the Government had other pressing priorities to address: “One fifth of all tobacco smoked in the UK is supplied by the black market and the Government has to do more to tackle those that sell illegal and counterfeit tobacco in our communities.

“It is also a ridiculous anomaly that it is not illegal to buy tobacco when underage nor is it illegal for an adult to buy tobacco on behalf of someone under 18. Unless this consultation addresses these issues, then the Government will be ignoring fundamentally important measures that would effectively target the problem.”

ACS will respond to the Government’s proposals with a full analysis of the likely burdens that a display ban would place on retailers.


Contacts:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs and Communications Manager
01252 515001/ 07921 372 978

Nina Collins Communications Coordinator
01252 515001

Michael Saxton/ Julie Kirby Grappa PR 
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.