British Retail Consortium: Keeping cigarettes out of sight will make no difference
Andrew Opie, food director at the British Retail Consortium, commented on government proposals to introduce plain packaging for tobacco products:
“Retailers support efforts to reduce the harm caused by smoking but there’s no evidence that forcing shops to put cigarettes out of sight will make any difference. It puts new costs on retailers who are being forced to refit their stores, and will inconvenience customers who have to wait longer to be served.
“Giving retailers longer to prepare for this legislation is helpful, but there is a much bigger issue to be addressed. If the government aims to introduce plain packaging then a display ban is unnecessary.
“It doesn’t make sense to enact one part of this plan while another is still under discussion. Banning shop displays of cigarettes in plain packets is pointless duplication. What should be looked at is the influence family members and friends have on youngsters’ decisions to start smoking, and their access to tobacco.
“Retailers take their responsibilities seriously when selling tobacco products but the law sends out a contradictory message. If children know they won’t get into trouble if they attempt to buy cigarettes they can keep trying their luck time and again.
“As with alcohol, it should be illegal for under-age children to try to buy cigarettes. Adults who buy cigarettes on their behalf should also face prosecution. At the moment, it is only the retailers who face punishment.”
