ACS

ACS has welcomed New Zealand Prime Minister John Key's decision not to go ahead with a tobacco display ban and is calling on the UK Government to urgently follow suit.

Mr Key made the announcement during an interview on Australian TV on Tuesday. He cited the lack of evidence that a tobacco display ban actually reduces youth smoking as the main reason for reversing proposals for the ban. He also said that the detrimental impact the measures would have on small businesses was a large factor in his decision, particular at this time of economic downturn.

“There is no international evidence that a display ban actually works, and it's hugely expensive to do it." he told TV3's Sunrise show on Tuesday.

ACS has been lobbying Government to withdraw the legislation that would enact the ban from the Health Bill, which is currently progressing through Parliament, arguing that the evidence of the effectiveness of the tobacco display ban is not conclusive. They have also calculated that the cost of compliance for retailers could reach as much as £5,000.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “This U-turn by the New Zealand Prime Minister is significant. It shows that the evidence is not there to prove that banning tobacco displays has any effect on youth smoking rates. These are exactly the points that ACS have been making to the UK Government, and we hope that they will now urgently review their decision.

“In the current economic climate, when small businesses are under enough pressure to just stay afloat, it is simply crazy for the Government to continue pressing ahead. It is not acceptable to gamble retailer’s cash on this issue.”

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. The ACS submission to the Future of Tobacco Control consultation can be found here.