ACS

ACS is calling on retailers to rally ahead of tobacco display ban D-day on 8th June when the Health Bill, which contains provisions to ban the display of tobacco, enters the House of Commons for its final stages. MPs will have their opportunity to debate the principal of the Bill before it progresses into the more detailed Committee and Report stages.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “We are now coming to the crucial stage of this debate and we need retailers to show MPs how and why the display ban will harm their business. ACS has been highlighting to MPs the lack of evidence that a ban will be effective in tackling youth smoking.

“So far we have had a phenomenal response to our retailer letter writing campaign, but we need more retailers to take responsibility and contact their MP. This is the last chance for retailers to really make an impact in this debate and I would urge everyone to get involved. Only by showing that the whole sector is against the tobacco display ban will we have any chance of defeating this measure.”

ACS has been co-ordinating a letter writing campaign to encourage retailers to lobby their local MPs, urging them to intervene in Second Reading. So far more than 650 letters have been sent. The letter, as well as details of where to find your local MP, can be found on the ACS website www.acs.org.uk

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. A pro forma letter to be sent to MPs can be found here

3. Details of ACS submission and activity can be found here