ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is reminding retailers about the upcoming ban on the sale of menthol cigarettes which comes into force in one week, despite the ongoing situation with the coronavirus outbreak.
Retailers are still allowed to sell cigarettes described as ‘green’ or with similar names to a previous menthol product as long as the cigarettes themselves do not contain any menthol. If there is any confusion about which cigarettes products may or may not contain menthol, retailers should ask their tobacco supplier.
Retailers should bear in mind that there may be some confusion amongst customers if they request ‘green’ cigarettes and expect a menthol product. To minimise this confusion, retailers can make customers aware of the menthol cigarettes ban by displaying ACS’ Assured poster or highlighting to customers verbally. Once the ban is in effect, if there are any requests for ‘green’ cigarette products, retailers should clarify that the product no longer contains menthol.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “It is disappointing that despite our urging, the government has not extended the 20th May deadline. Coronavirus restrictions mean that area managers, wholesale support teams and manufacturer representatives are not on the road and in stores helping retailers to comply, including removing product from stores.
“Retailers will have to do their best to sell through existing stock ahead of the 20th May deadline, and we have developed guidance and a poster to communicate with customers about these changes.”
ACS has developed guidance for retailers with information on products included in the ban, when it will be introduced, penalties for non-compliance and how to communicate the ban with customers.
For more information, including FAQs about the ban, please visit https://www.acs.org.uk/advice/menthol-ban
Listen to the ACS team discussing the menthol ban here: https://audioboom.com/posts/7563338-menthol-ban-revisited
