ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is reminding retailers about the upcoming ban on the sale of menthol cigarettes which comes into force in two weeks, despite the ongoing situation with the coronavirus outbreak.
From 20th May, the following will be banned:
- Menthol cigarettes (this includes capsule, click on, click & roll, crushball or dual menthol cigarettes)
- Cigarettes or hand-rolling tobacco which has been packaged with flavoured filters or papers
The ban does not affect the sale of:
- Flavoured filters or papers
- Heated tobacco products
- E-cigarette products
- Rolling tobacco
- Flavoured cigars and cigarillos
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. ACS has also produced a poster for retailers to display in-store to help communicate the menthol ban to 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
